[V8] Intermittent engine shut off

[Tony and Lillie]

> The car is a 1990 V8Q with ~ 170k miles on the clock, she's getting a bit
> tired but generally still performs well other than a little puff of smoke
> after idling at a light.

Sounds like time for a valve job, good excuse for a port and polish as well 
;-)

> Over the weekend she said it shut down while driving but started back up a
> half second later 3 times, happened fast enough that she didn't need to 
> pull
> over.  One time it died at a light but she was able to start it back up
> immediately.  Today after driving 15 miles to her destination, then 
> 14.9ish
> on the way back home it died about 4 blocks short of the house.  Refused 
> to
> start back up.  After calling me for help and letting it sit for about 15
> minutes I had her try again, started and was able to drive the last couple
> of blocks home.

More than likely a timing or reference sensor. They are the same as 5000 
turbo ones, other than the 5000 ones have longer leads. However, they are 
usually significantly cheaper.

> Incidental symptom that may or may not be related (probably more to do 
> with
> overdue ignition service) is when mildly accelerating the power seems to
> pulse, like power is applied in a wave rather than a steady acceleration,
> roughly 1s intervals.  Hasn't been enough of an issue to fret about just 
> yet
> so I've let it slide.

Time for a 4-wire O2 sensor. very inexpensive compared to the OEM V8 3-wire, 
and gives it a dedicated ground. Get one for a 1993 Ford F150 5.0. I also 
wire in the opposite side plug, so future changes are quick and easy. BTW, 
your 3-wire relies on the exhaust system for it's ground, probably not such 
a good reference point after all these years. Cured my V8's surging. Felt 
like it was accelerating in 50RPM increments to me.

P.S. Sorry I'm a little late on this one, hopefully it still helps,
Tony