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Topic: intermitant spark problem (Read 1071 times) previous topic - next topic

intermitant spark problem

Hi all.  I've been chasing down what I thought was a hot start problem. I could start the car in the morning cold, and it would run fine up to and at operating temperature. I could turn the car off for up to maybe 2 hours and have it start, much beyond that I would have to wait untill 4 hours had passed before it would run again. In that time frame if I tried to start it it would turn over and catch, run for 7-10 seconds then die for up to 6 seconds catch itself and repeat 2 or 3 more times before completely quiting. I started to address the problem by throwing parts at it figureing it needed a tune up anyway. I replaced plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, ignition coil,  air filter, fuel filter, and ignition switch. Unfortunatly after all that it still has a problem. It develops a complete lack of spark in those "dead" periods. I know the problem to be in the supply of the ignition coil, as i can remove the wire from the post and it won't spark to ground  while I crank the engine.
Now I dont know if this helps but out of curiosity I checked the voltage to ground on each of the terminals with the engine running and I got 14.3v on the red and 13.6 on the pair of green wires. With the engine off with this no spark condition present I got battery voltage on both terminals while cranking.
Am I looking in the right direction here do you think? Im down to asssuming its engine management related and I know nothing about that. So thats the story. Any help would be appreciated.

intermitant spark problem

Reply #1 –
Sounds like the TFI (Thick Film Ignition) module.
 

intermitant spark problem

Reply #2 –
Thanks for the reply. Just by the name of it sounds like they are not going to have it at Advance so is this TFI module something that can be tested and possibly fixed or is it hit the j/y for a used replacement? Either way where is it located, and are they a common problem?  Thanks alot for the guidance.

88whitecat86

intermitant spark problem

Reply #3 –
they carry both the tfi and the stator assembly which is down in the distributor.

also, pull your codes eith the key on engine off using a paper clip and your check engine light. See instructions on my diy link.

intermitant spark problem

Reply #4 –
Temp related sounds like a TFI problem for sure. Pull codes and let us know what you get.
88 TC, Lots of Mods.