Hello

Walnut, I doubt there's a V6 owner here who hasn't asked about the IMRC. You're not alone; often it's just a disconnected or broken linkage. But there's loads of threads and the V6 folk will look after you.

Incidentally, I've only ever driven one V6 Coug but it felt like being punched in the kidneys when it went over 3500RPM.

:EDIT: And there's a metric butt-load of power to be had. You just need to pull it out! ;)
 
You can check the way you said open the top and check the motor turns, but it's a hell of a lot easier to just see the bar moving.. I was expecting a proper kick when i first got the cougar, due to driving a RS Turbo before i was expecting a hell of a lot more, You can feel a surge in power but not a proper kick.. well i never have...
 
just to add to this, the fact you can see the linkage moving isn't enough, if won't do a thing if it isn't clipped to anything.

the white clips at the end of the linkage are notoriously brittle, make sure these are intact while you're there
 
just to add to this, the fact you can see the linkage moving isn't enough, if won't do a thing if it isn't clipped to anything.

the white clips at the end of the linkage are notoriously brittle, make sure these are intact while you're there

Very good point, Mine did this, but when it happened i did notice a big drop in power, it's a bit fiddly to get to but well worth checking..
 
If you unplug it and it drives the same then yes, it's dead or if you do as Add says above, you'll also see if it's possibly stuck open or closed. They have been known to stick and there are a few guides with pics somewhere on which bar to look at etc. The throttle linkage is as you look at the engine standing at the passenger side wing, follow the tube from the big plastic box in front of you up to where it meets the upper inlet manifold (UIM), the bit the rubber accordion hose goes on to is the throttle body and you'll see the accelerator cable linked up to it. If you push that back using the tab at about the 1 o'clock position from memory, that will rev the engine ;) If that's too simple I'm sorry lol and if it's too complicated I'm sorry again but obviously I don't know exactly what you do and don't know and what you may be familiar with? (y)
 
I removed the plastic top and peered at the metal rod when revving the engine and it refused to budge. I opened up the IMRC and revved to see if anything was happening and it was lifeless so I poked at the left hand cog and they all turned freely so it's not stuck for any reason. At least I now know that a trip up to see Bobster is in order.

I also have another problem :)

After I've been driving for a while, for the last few days, it can have a tendancy to rev to over 1000rpm and then dip too low and cut out. Doesn't always do it but when it does, it will do it any time I come to a stop. Otherwise it's fine. Have read other posts on the subject but I can't decide which to try first, new plugs, fuel filter, or IACV :( My complete lack of skills would suggest I should try a fuel filter first because from the How TO, I have the necessary tools - screwdriver and axle stand.

Should I be starting a new thread for this? I'd quite like some help, both instructional and motivational slogans :)
 
Took off the IACV and cleaned it with carb cleaner and put back on with a temporary gasket made from cereal box and it's no better. I don't know if I should have made sure the holes in the gasket are not slightly restricting the airflow :-/ Seems my first foray into the world of mechanical DIY hasn't really amounted to much. Is it possible it needs replacing? I will replace the fuel filter over the next few days - would that be a likely candidate for the issue or is it simply a good thing to replace?it