Ford: 1984 Lincoln Continental

Hi, I have owned a 1984 Lincoln Continental since 1996 (it's not the
only car I own) and the car has had two problems that I just haven't
been able to remedy since the day I got it practically. I'm hoping
someone here may be able to provide me with some info on these. I'm
not sure if these problems are interconnected or if they are
completely independent of one another.

Problem 1: Sometimes, after driving for awhile, I'll park the car for
a few minutes and then when I come back out and turn the key nothing
happens. The digital dashboard lights up and everything, but the
engine will not turn. I'll just get a click or something. The
strange thing is that sometimes if I wait maybe two minutes and try
again, it'll start right up. Othertimes, I've waited several hours
only to have nothing happen when I turn the key. Once I had to have
someone come and pick me up late at night because I went to leave and
my car wouldn't start. So, my father takes me back to my car the
following morning fully expecting to have to jumpstart it or
something, I turn the key, and it starts right up.

Problem 2: I put the car in reverse and it stalls. I've never had it
stall shifting to any other gear but reverse, and it doesn't do it
everytime either. Now, the truly frustrating thing about this problem
is that once it stalls, problem #1 happens; i'll turn the key to
restart it and nothing happens. I never know how long it will take
before I can get it running again. I've had some embarrassing moments
occur with my car stalling while backing out of a parking space and
blocking traffic. Once I had to push it back into the parking space
until I got it started.

Also, on a side note, does anyone have any suggestions for getting
more power from the engine in this car? It has approx 100K. The 302
just seems overburdened by the weight of this car. I actually think
the fuel economy (about 12-15mpg) would be better with a bigger engine
because then it wouldn't have to work so hard. Thank you.

There are TSB's for this:

#872018 OCT 87 Engine/Ignition - No Start Condition
#8628 JAN 86 Ignition Coil - Stumbles/Stalls/Noise In
Radio
#86220 JAN 86 Ignition System - Weak/No Spark
#86219 JAN 86 Ignition System Resistance - Manual Revision
#852217 NOV 85 Engine - Hard Start/No Start/Runs Rough

and more at:

http://www.alldata.com/TSB/32/84320101.html

which you should look into...

Rob
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"PaulG" <org> wrote in message
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