Re: Spirit engine problem fixed....now the %&*^$ SX/4

[farna@xxxxxxx]

Check the resistance wire in the ignition harness. You mentioned the TFI coil. According to a wiring diagram I found on the net TFI still uses a ballast resistor or resistance wire. Sounds to me like the resistance wire in your car is "worn out". It will "wear" over time as it heats up because of the resistance. Unfortunately it's burried in the wiring harness. You have to follow the red wire (w/tracer) from the solenoid into the harness until you find the resistance part. Alternately, disconnect (and tape up) the red w/tracer wire and run a new wire from the switch "run" position to a ballast resistor (get one for a 84 Ford F-150 w/300 six) then to the smae position on the solenoid. What clued me in is it runs fine when the starter is engaged, acts up when you let off. That would coincide with the speed problem too -- the wire is overheating and not letting enough juice through to properly power the ignition at higher rpm. Could also be the solenoid not making good contact,!
  I'd replace it too if it's original or looks old, but I'd bet money on the resistance wire. Never did like those things, give me an old ceramic ballast resistor any day! 

On June 21, 2005 Marty Bricker wrote:

> I previously described the fol engine prob:
> > Took my daughters 83 Spirit out for a drive to see
> if
> > everything was running ok.  Engine started, idled,
> > accelerated normally and ran fine up until I hit 55
> > mph.  It was like a governor or something is on the
> > engine, it just won't go any faster.  It feels like
> it will stall or backfire if I try to continue
> depressing
> > the accelerator.   I got it up to about 58 mph but
> it
> > was starting to bog down so I backed off to 55 and
> it
> > ran just fine.  I haven't checked the timing yet,
> but
> > anyone have any suggestions?  (83 Spirit, 258, BBD
> > carb that was rebuilt a little over a year ago. All
> > pollution gear is present, and, to the best of my
> > knowledge functioning.  Plugs, wires, coil, o2
> sensor
> > replaced at same time as carb rebuilt.  It has the
> > Ford upgrade of coil and bigger cap).  Thanks.
> -Well, the problem just went away as I drove it for an
> extended time at highway speeds (daughter rarely
> exceeds 45mph in city driving).  Never heard of
> something like this but, whatever, it's ok now.
> 
> Now the continuing woes of my SX/4...
> Here's the problem: 
> Push the accel down (once, twice, doesn't seem to
> matter the # of times) turn the key and engine will
> turn over and fire but as soon as the key is let go it
> will die.  Finally starts with a chug, much massaging
> of the accel and holding it at high rpm until it
> settles out.  Several times sitting at a light it has
> just died and goes through the same iteration to
> start.  

=============================================================
Posted by wixList Archiver -- http://www.amxfiles.com/wixlist