[Qtrhrsman]

Just recently got an 84 tempo with the 2.3 and a carb. Put plugs, wires, cap and rotor on it, checked the pcv valve and tried adjusting the choke which seems to have 2 rivets and one screw instead of 3 screws. It's got a stumble when starting out or if you blip the throttle. Also put a carb kit in it and cleaned all the jets, and the bowl. Good exhaust on it as well. It's got 16K miles on it. Can anyone help with this?

 

[R.S.LOGAN]

Checked the timing ?

 

[Qtrhrsman]

Checked the timing ?

Haven't done that yet, maybe a bit slow? Guess I need to borrow a timing light.

 

[YooperDave]

Vacuum leak(s) can cause this. One item in particular I would look at would be the brake booster. Probably original, making it almost 40 years old.
Plug the vacuum hose supplying it to see...if the stumble goes away, then that's the problem; if it doesn't, then something else is.
Float level too low can also cause this.

 

[R.S.LOGAN]

Haven't done that yet, maybe a bit slow? Guess I need to borrow a timing light.

Possibly ignition timing retarded , this might / might not help you

Ford Workshop Manuals > Tempo L4-140 2.3L HSC (1986) > Maintenance > Tune-up and Engine Performance Checks > Ignition Timing > Ignition Timing Connector > Component Information > Technical Service Bulletins > All Technical Service Bulletins for Ignition Timing Connector: > 86207 > Oct > 86 > Ignition System - Poor Spark Output

Tempo L4-140 2.3L HSC (1986) > Ford Workshop Manuals > Maintenance > Tune-up and Engine Performance Checks > Ignition Timing > Ignition Timing Connector > Component Information > Technical Service Bulletins > All Technical Service Bulletins for Ignition Timing Connector: > 86207 > Oct > 86 >...

workshop-manuals.com

 

[Qtrhrsman]

Possibly ignition timing retarded , this might / might not help you

Ford Workshop Manuals > Tempo L4-140 2.3L HSC (1986) > Maintenance > Tune-up and Engine Performance Checks > Ignition Timing > Ignition Timing Connector > Component Information > Technical Service Bulletins > All Technical Service Bulletins for Ignition Timing Connector: > 86207 > Oct > 86 > Ignition System - Poor Spark Output

Tempo L4-140 2.3L HSC (1986) > Ford Workshop Manuals > Maintenance > Tune-up and Engine Performance Checks > Ignition Timing > Ignition Timing Connector > Component Information > Technical Service Bulletins > All Technical Service Bulletins for Ignition Timing Connector: > 86207 > Oct > 86 >...

workshop-manuals.com

What throws me off is that if you hold it at a slightly high idle at the stop, it acts fine. Only when starting out from a low idle does the stumble show up. No shortage of power once rolling at all. Float level is correct, new accelerator pump as well as needle valve and seat and other new parts from the carb kit. I do need to get a distributor clamp wrench to see about tweaking the timing a degree or two though.

 

[Dan_in_WA]

My ‘86 had a similar problem, see post #6 in this thread,

1987 Ford Tempo

My 1987 Ford Tempo GL Coupe runs great at 169K original miles. But it has developed a bad habit that has stumped two different Mechanics and cost me over $1,000. so far, to fix. Which by the way, no one can figure out what is going on. The problem is that it doesnt idle, and quits going...

www.fordforums.com

Your EGR valve may be different than mine, my Tempo has the early fuel injection.