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Pinto cuts out randomly - UPDATE!
FASTdan - 5/4/09 at 06:15 PM

We seem to have an issue whereby the engine will run faultlessly and then suddenly backfire, misfire badly and then die (really wont run no matter what throttle position you do) - unable to be restarted. But after a min or so it'll restart, maybe run a little rough but then smooth out and be fine.

I can only think its a heat issue - as its very random and would make sense in that it cools and will then restart.

Its a 2.0 pinto on 40's running the basic transit van dizzy/module set up. Our ignition module is mounted high up on the bulkhead so wondering if this might be suffering from heat?

Or any other suggestions?

[Edited on 9/4/09 by FASTdan]

The Baron - 5/4/09 at 06:25 PM

When I ran my 1600 Pinto on twin 40's, it used to eat plugs and it would start to randomly misfire / cut out when it was hot. I tried NGK's Champions etc. I eventually went for a set of new motorcraft plugs (2 litre variety) and this fixed my problem.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

B

FASTdan - 5/4/09 at 06:33 PM

quote:
Originally posted by The Baron
When I ran my 1600 Pinto on twin 40's, it used to eat plugs and it would start to randomly misfire / cut out when it was hot. I tried NGK's Champions etc. I eventually went for a set of new motorcraft plugs (2 litre variety) and this fixed my problem.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

B


Thats interesting - our first thoughts were it might be plug related. We've had 2 new sets of NGK's in it - the nipple on the top of these is crimped but some seem loose and we suspected that might cause problems. May give motorcraft items a go.

When you say it ate plugs - was it damaging them? I suspect ours is running a little lean as its not been jetted for 2.0 yet so temps may be higher than normal.

snapper - 5/4/09 at 06:36 PM

Just spent 2 hours waiting for the AA after the very same problem.
I would be very interested to find a solution, which plugs are hotter and which are colder?
I think i am running F7Y at the mo

FASTdan - 5/4/09 at 06:41 PM

quote:
Originally posted by snapper
Just spent 2 hours waiting for the AA after the very same problem.
I would be very interested to find a solution, which plugs are hotter and which are colder?
I think i am running F7Y at the mo


Not sure what our plugs are - they are the NGK's that halfords spec for the 2.0 sierra.

I take it yours wont run once this has happened then?! Ours seems fine after a minute or so, strange.

Im not up on the benefits of 'hotter' or 'colder' plugs?

snapper - 5/4/09 at 07:01 PM

Up until today i could blip the clutch and keep the revs going, it would clear and go, mainly on full open throttle, didn't seem to like a fast blast followed by cruise
This is the first time it has given up the ghost totaly.
I was going to the lockup when it happened and spent 2 bloody hours waiting for the AA, missed my 3 hours in the pub as all my mates had left by the time i got hom

[Edited on 5/4/09 by snapper]

FASTdan - 9/4/09 at 09:20 PM

Well the pinto gave up completely this evening and wouldnt restart!

After a quick tow home we have traced the problem to the dizzy arm of all things!

There is virtually NO continuity between the center dot and the outer tip (when tested on a meter)......weird! Consequently there's no spark at any plug, but there is spark on the king lead.

At least its an easy one

Good news is despite the twin 40's carbs being literally chucked on there (jets/chokes look like set up for a 1600), the fueling was looking really good on the wideband. So at least there's no imminent danger to the engine in the meantime before getting it set up.

[Edited on 9/4/09 by FASTdan]

[Edited on 9/4/09 by FASTdan]

snapper - 10/4/09 at 06:15 AM

To try and eliminate my problem i am close to finishing the instal of a complete V3 Megajolt, EDIS and coil pack with a new wiring loom.
This should eliminate the ignition system from the problem.
Looking at the plugs and the exhuast pipe makes me think that i am over fueling (as does my exhaust gas emmissions readings from SVA) so on to my next post about the Mikunies.