weird help please

[need boost]

guys my 86 t started running terrible today couldn't run over about 35 service engine light was coming on and off flashing and the motor keeps trying to die on me was putting out black smoke out the tail running really rich finally got it home and called a friend of mine and he told me to check the grounds on the back of the pass head did that was able to tighten them up a hair fired her up same thing but seemed a little bit better but not much would still die on you if you idled ok now here is the wierd part backed it out in the road and took off ran like crap then took off slow at first then great looked back and there was 2 black smoke clouds that covered the road up stopped did it again just a little black smoke again no smoke and running like a rapped ape again what gives runs great again now and idles good to any ideas!!!!!!!! thanks Daniel

 

[Topjimmy]

First I'd check the ECM for codes...sounds like the O2 sensor or MAF sensor to me. Both sensors are critical for proper fuel delivery.
The O2 sensor is best tested on a scan tool to see how "active" it is. The more it crosscounts, the better.
A quick check of the MAF: At idle, tap on the sensor body with a screwdriver handle. If the engine stumbles and/or dies it's due for replacement.

HTH - Jimmy

 

[turbolou]

Reply

Try tapping the mass airflow sensor with a blunt object & if the engine reacts to that in anyway replace the sensor. Another test is to unplug it with the car running & if it improves .That would be another indication of a bad mass air. The car will run fairly well with it unplugged enough till you can fix it. But expect a check engine light if you do so.