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Topic: Alright, I'm stumped. (Solved!) (Read 3419 times) previous topic - next topic

Alright, I'm stumped. (Solved!)

Reply #15
Did you ever verify fuel pressure?  Esp while running?

The boost gauge connects at the vac T on the firewall.  You won't see the car build any boost when you rev it w/o load.  If you do, something is wrong.

Your codes don't tell you much as the car needs to be @ operating temp for them to be valid.  The ECT "may" be an issue and is easy to swap out.  Unplug the VAM and see if that changes anything when you try and start it.

I'm betting it's more of a fuel issue than anything.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

 

Alright, I'm stumped. (Solved!)

Reply #16
Quote from: Loaded87IROC;272139
...Shortly after the fuel pump died from all the new excitement...


Made me chuckle

Alright, I'm stumped. (Solved!)

Reply #17
I'm going nuts...

I pulled the fuel rail, cleaned the injectors (they were quite dirty), replaced the o-rings, reasembled the rail outside on top of the intake and hit the key (to build pressure). I cycled each injector with a battery and all 4 shot fine. Put the rail back into place, hit the key... SAME . Won't stay running. AAARRG!

It's gotta be something stupid.

Oh and did I mention that all of the fuel lines had the usual clips, except one, I had to buy a special tool. PSH!

CoogarXR
CoogarXR : 1985 Cougar XR-7

Alright, I'm stumped. (Solved!)

Reply #18
Alright. I pulled the EGR and cleaned it. No change.

I was showing the car to my brother in law and explaining what it was doing (he's not a car guy, but it was helping me to assemble my thoughts out loud).

I had him hit the key and I was testing for spark on all 4 cyls. All were good. I put a gage on the fuel line, perfect pressure.

We were just bantering back and fourth about the problem. Good spark, good fuel, good air? I tore the air box off again, but this time I jammed the baffle door on the VAM open with a socket extension. I hit the key and the dang thing idled! It friggin' ran!

When I pull my extension out of the baffle, it dies. Knowing nothing about VAMs (or MAFs, I still don't know which it is...), I ask you gurus, what the heck is wrong?

CoogarXR
CoogarXR : 1985 Cougar XR-7

Alright, I'm stumped. (Solved!)

Reply #19
You mean the VAM door is now partially opened by the extension??? If so you likely have a defective VAM... Does it's door move freely???

Alright, I'm stumped. (Solved!)

Reply #20
The door seems to move freely...

I guess it's off to the "wanted" board to post an ad...

CoogarXR
CoogarXR : 1985 Cougar XR-7

Alright, I'm stumped. (Solved!)

Reply #21
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;273007
You mean the VAM door is now partially opened by the extension??? If so you likely have a defective VAM... Does it's door move freely???


or the hose to the vam has a hole or isnt connected properly
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
1974 maverick lsx powered turbo car SOLD
1973 maverick Tijuana Taxi Tribute
1957 chevy LSX Turbo project (race car)
Owner of Joe Dirt Fabrication

Alright, I'm stumped. (Solved!)

Reply #22
Quote from: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87;273025
or the hose to the vam has a hole or isnt connected properly


BINGO!

I took the VAM off with the intent to disect it, and I lifted up the hose and looked down it. I saw daylight! It looks like somebody took the hose off of the turbo and when they put it back on it curled up around the whole bottom. It looked totally fine from the top, I never would have seen it had I not looked inside the hose.

Anyhow, I put it back on correctly and cranked it up, and it runs! (Still sputtery, but that's another chapter, at least it'll idle now).

I learned a lot about this VAM system by this experience. Had I known how important the VAM is, I would have investigated this much sooner. But coming from the 80's 5.0 world (carb, speed density, cfi, etc) air hoses are "decorations".

Thanks for everybody's continuing help on this thread.

CoogarXR
CoogarXR : 1985 Cougar XR-7

Alright, I'm stumped. (Solved!)

Reply #23
I think I am actually done with the engine work!

I replaced all of the vaccum lines, reset the timing, and now she purrs silky smooth.

I took it out and got on it a little, nice smooth accelleration, no pings. I can only get to about 30mph between speedbumps in my neighborhood though (can't take it on public streets yet, no plates!).

Thanks again for your help and letting me brainstorm on here.

Now on to steering and body work!

CoogarXR
CoogarXR : 1985 Cougar XR-7