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1990 Mercury Topaz 4 cyl auto fuel problem
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sqone
Novice
Mar 24, 2007, 8:29 AM
Post #1 of 7
(1660 views)
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1990 Mercury Topaz 4 cyl auto fuel problem
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Thanks This problem started last fall, idles ok but sputtered under acceleration. Tuned up and new fuel filter and the problem was fixed. Fuel filter was very dirty. The problem arose again so I changed the fuel filter again. Now it runs fine for awhile the starts to sputter at highway speeds the gets progressively worse. If I remove the pressure from the fuel filter it will run better. After it sits over night it will run fine for awhile. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 24, 2007, 3:39 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: 1990 Mercury Topaz 4 cyl auto fuel problem
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This really does sound like a fuel/dirt problem. Try dumping the fuel filter's gas into a very clean glass and see what the dirt looks like. If rusty I would suspect the tank as the source.
If you see some dirt -- see it a magnet will attract it -- just a thought to see if it's rust.
Water should separate to the bottom.
If you got significantly more time out of second fuel filter you might get away with just changing it a few more times and be done with the problem.
Could be tricky to figure out the source as car is about 17 years old now. Hope fully not vandalism, T
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steve01832
Veteran
Mar 25, 2007, 5:15 AM
Post #3 of 7
(1656 views)
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Re: 1990 Mercury Topaz 4 cyl auto fuel problem
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Just to add to Tom's post. If the fuel filter has a lot of dirt and rust in it, there is a good chance it has also clogged the fuel pump strainer screen and possibly has made its way into the fuel pump. You may need to remove the gas tank, replace the pump and strainer, and try to clean the sediment out of the tank before you reinstall it.
Steve
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sqone
Novice
Mar 26, 2007, 6:57 PM
Post #4 of 7
(1648 views)
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Re: 1990 Mercury Topaz 4 cyl auto fuel problem
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I took a fuel sample before the filter and there is alot of sediment. My thinking is that is tons of bigger chunks in the tank plugging the fuel pump screen. Thanks for all the help, I'll let you know how it comes out.
Thanks Again
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 27, 2007, 6:13 AM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: 1990 Mercury Topaz 4 cyl auto fuel problem
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That strainer as Steve mentioned can only handle so much. They are a filter of sorts but no even close to catching what the fuel filter will. Keep it well filtered!
See how much a new fuel tank is. You might be shocked at how inexpensive some are. The problem spots in replacing it will be rusted strap bolts and the danger of handling and disposal of the old tank.
WARNING!! An empty gas tank is dangerous to handle and more explosive than a full one!! Use all caution to not make sparks. ground your tools if metal and do use rubber and plastic hammers when and if needed. Make certain all items removed from tank and tank to car are back in place.
Off the exact topic: I was working for a Ford dealer during the recall of the of Pinto gas tank problems upon impact. The fix was a longer fuel neck and plastic sheild between tank and differential to stop sparks. Other cars didn't have this problem as they were larger cars and had more room for being squished when hit from the rear.
Be safe and if this car is generally a good car it's worth this repair, T
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sqone
Novice
Mar 28, 2007, 6:07 PM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: 1990 Mercury Topaz 4 cyl auto fuel problem
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Dropped the tank and it was full of rust and the gas was very cloudy. It was hard to tell if the pump was rusty or just rust covered so I replaced it as well as the tank. New gas and it runs as good as new!! Thanks to all who helped.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 29, 2007, 7:53 AM
Post #7 of 7
(1641 views)
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Re: 1990 Mercury Topaz 4 cyl auto fuel problem
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Thanks for letting us and the surfers know the problem and the fix, T
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