Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Electrical Tech => Topic started by: 88turbo on January 14, 2010, 10:33:33 PM

Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: 88turbo on January 14, 2010, 10:33:33 PM
I was driving my 88TC and it backfired and was dead. some quick checks found that it has no spark, I tried another coil and ignition module with no results...  I have power at the coil. not sure where to go from here.  any ideas?
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: CoogarXR on January 14, 2010, 11:00:41 PM
If you already tried the coil and module, it's probably the pickup (or crank sensor, I've never owned an 88, I don't know what they use).
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: 88turbo on January 14, 2010, 11:07:41 PM
Distributor is new, I think I narrowed it down to the coil wire.  did the "idiot spark test"  one finger on the coil another on ground and crank it over.  well I found spark by god!!  inspecting my coil wire I found one connector alittle rusty so I am working to clean it up now.  should help my situation I hope.  hope you guys get a laugh out of this!!!
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: 88turbo on January 14, 2010, 11:20:25 PM
well...  coil wire definitely is not the problem.  I can get one initial jolt from the coil and no more.  will not spark while cranking.  pip?  I guess tomorrow the distributor is coming out and going back for warranty.
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: T-BirdX3 on January 14, 2010, 11:26:40 PM
lol. I picture Al Bundy goin hey yall watch this. lol
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: 88turbo on January 14, 2010, 11:36:08 PM
lol, well when it comes down to it what else is there to do?
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: softtouch on January 15, 2010, 12:40:22 AM
Is the rotor turning?
If so try pulling the SPOUT jumper.
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: CoogarXR on January 15, 2010, 12:43:26 AM
I had a bronco that did that too (initial single fire and nothing while cranking), and there was a relay that turned on the fuel pump and ecm that had failed. Do you hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key?

I still say it's in the pickup, but looks like you are headed that direction anyway.
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: dominator on January 15, 2010, 07:52:50 AM
Distributer gear???
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: Chuck W on January 15, 2010, 09:09:30 AM
Never discount the dist/aux gears not being an issue on a 2.3T.

Have you checked to see if the rotor is actually turning while cranking?  If it up and dies and you have no spark...ALWAYS check this first.
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: 88turbo on January 15, 2010, 09:54:59 AM
problem found, there is an issue with the distributor gear/pin.  Thanks guys
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: Chuck W on January 15, 2010, 10:14:28 AM
Figured as much.

Take a good look at the aux gear while you have the dist out.
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: 88turbo on January 15, 2010, 10:46:44 AM
will do, I will be pulling it later this afternoon.  stay tuned
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: 88turbo on January 15, 2010, 04:04:11 PM
well I pulled the distributor and found this...... gonna inspect the aux gear here shortly.  if the Aux gear has damage and needs replaced is it something I can get from the part store or do I need to find one from another engine?
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: CoogarXR on January 15, 2010, 04:19:34 PM
If that distributor is brand new, the question would be, does the part store need to buy you a new engine?

Their junk parts broke off in your good engine and messed it all up...

If the aux gear is ok, better change that oil and get those pieces out at least.
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: 88turbo on January 15, 2010, 04:21:32 PM
how would I go about getting O'riellys to get me a new engine?  distributor is barely a year old.
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: Chuck W on January 15, 2010, 05:12:28 PM
I knew that's what it was...

Best case is you drop the pan and clean all the bits out and replace the oil pump. (along with the aux shaft and dist).

I had one fail on the '84 XR-7.  Cleaned all the stuff out of the pan, replaced the pump, did a couple short oil changes, and it was fine after that.
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: 88turbo on January 15, 2010, 05:18:28 PM
Aux shaft is fine.  the car is running better than it has in a long time.
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: 88turbo on January 18, 2010, 10:27:34 AM
well turns out the Aux shaft is not fine it ate another distributor gear on the way to work today. went by the ford dealer and came up with this exploded view of the 2.3. Now will any aux shaft from a 2.3 work or does it have to be a 2.3t?  I have an old pinto block that has one of these will it work?
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: Chuck W on January 18, 2010, 10:42:08 AM
Well normally when the dist gear goes, so does the aux shaft.  At the very least the aux shaft gear will have an abnormal wear pattern on it, which would not be condusive to a long life for the new dist gear.

They are the same between the 2.3NA and 2.3T.

Esslinger makes a billet aux shaft and also a bronze dist gear. Not cheap though.

LINKY (http://www.esslingeracing.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=PUL)

The bronze dist gear will at the very least save the aux shaft even if you don't go the billet route (and most folks don't need to).

Installing a good used set should be fine though for your use.
Title: NO spark need help fast!!! still an issue
Post by: daboss351 on January 18, 2010, 12:37:18 PM
God this scares me... I ate the timing belt on my dads 2.3 i hope this isnt why its not starting... I better pull the cap and check today if it turns