First computer diagnosis saga 81
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 726
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From: Petaluma CA
First computer diagnosis saga 81
I am learning some things about computers and diagnosing...the hard way.
First, the choke had to be closed in order to run the car. With key on, not engine, got a "23" code. Tested it to a mc "mixture control" solenoid on top right of q-jet with two wires. Light blue wire from mc to computer had "open", actually just high resistance at firewall. I wired around that.
Check engine light went off. Started engine, ran two minutes, code 54 came up. That is a shorted mc circuit!! Mechanic today told me that when they rebuild the carbs, they don't replace or even test mc !!! $200 !!
Also I need to replace the choke heater relay,,,it is cracked. Would appreciate any feedback or secrets...thanx :mad
First, the choke had to be closed in order to run the car. With key on, not engine, got a "23" code. Tested it to a mc "mixture control" solenoid on top right of q-jet with two wires. Light blue wire from mc to computer had "open", actually just high resistance at firewall. I wired around that.
Check engine light went off. Started engine, ran two minutes, code 54 came up. That is a shorted mc circuit!! Mechanic today told me that when they rebuild the carbs, they don't replace or even test mc !!! $200 !!
Also I need to replace the choke heater relay,,,it is cracked. Would appreciate any feedback or secrets...thanx :mad
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,461
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
Re: First computer diagnosis saga 81 (Stevo)
hey stevo, $200 for a real carb mechanic to completely rebuild the carb with a new M/C and TPS would be cheap. i get the feeling that is not what's being offered. both units are kind of problematic and i figure on rebuilding mine about every 2-3 years. not too bad when you can get a rebuild kit with both the M/C and TPS from the parts house for >$20. to get an '81 to run pretty well, there's really no trick to rebuilding the carb. just take the parts out of the kit and replace the stuff in the carb. there's a whole sheet in there about setting this level and that but i've never worried about it. i'm on my 2nd rebuild since i got my car and i'm sure it could run better but, hey, i get about 20mpg on the freeway and it idles and accelerates fine. i have that book on the quads that gives you all the specs on how to rebuild the comp-q-jet but i'm not going to worry about it until the next time the TPS takes a dump.
