When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Does anyone know what this connection is on the yellow arrow? This module is located in front of upper driver side firewall. Other end of this connection is brown connector I'm holding. Looks like vacuum fitting? Also, my vaccum advanced cannister port is not plugged in on the HEI distreibutor. Thann you.
We'll need some more info and photos before we can speculate on the distributor. WAG is someone removed your 81's computer controlled distributor, but didn't hook up the vacuum advance for some reason.
FWIW, using zip ties on ignition wires is a great way to encourage cross-talk misfires. Pick up some wire spreader combs too.
Last edited by Bikespace; Oct 28, 2021 at 10:36 AM.
We'll need some more info and photos before we can speculate on the distributor. WAG is someone removed your 81's computer controlled distributor, but didn't hook up the vacuum advance for some reason.
FWIW, using zip ties on ignition wires is a great way to encourage cross-talk misfires. Pick up some wire spreader combs too.
Yes sir, it is 1981 and the picture you provided is the part I am referring to. So do i need to find the connection for that open end plug?
It's under the that rectangler plate with hole in it. So should I plugged that vaccum cannister port or just leave it open? Also if you see this picture below, that green connector looks like Mixture Solenoid plug and it's not hooked up because car has Holley street avenger carburetor? Car came up with code last night code 23 after few days of driving. Should I short that connection with paper clip? Thank you so much.
Can you take a few photos of your engine compartment, without the air cleaner assembly?
It sounds like someone has replaced the distributor and carb, to get around the 81's one-year-only computer. But then why is it throwing codes? Is the distributor still computer controlled?
To help you any further, we have to know where you are at, if you have an 80-style retrofit, or some 81 hybrid with some working and non-working components.
I'm also at the limit of what I know about 81s. You may want to start a new thread with 81 in the title to get the attention of the folks who know more.
Can you take a few photos of your engine compartment, without the air cleaner assembly?
It sounds like someone has replaced the distributor and carb, to get around the 81's one-year-only computer. But then why is it throwing codes? Is the distributor still computer controlled?
To help you any further, we have to know where you are at, if you have an 80-style retrofit, or some 81 hybrid with some working and non-working components.
I'm also at the limit of what I know about 81s. You may want to start a new thread with 81 in the title to get the attention of the folks who know more.
Here are some pictures. Car has new motor with cams and heads. Distributor is MSD HEI. Yes, I found it strange why would ECM throw a code 23 when connector isn't hooked up. Car runs like monster since i bought it with no carb issues.
Now I really don't know why the computer is throwing codes. Nothing in your engine compartment suggests to me that the original ECM is in any way involved in making your engine run.
I'd follow all of the vacuum hoses back to the source, and plug any vacuum leaks.
Is the distributor computer controlled, or does it just not have a vacuum advance can at all? If the previous owner was drag racing exclusively, that might make sense. Vacuum advance on the street is helpful, though. If you want to tweak the timing, email Lars (PM me if you can't find his email), and ask for his timing and HEI setup papers.
Now I really don't know why the computer is throwing codes. Nothing in your engine compartment suggests to me that the original ECM is in any way involved in making your engine run.
I'd follow all of the vacuum hoses back to the source, and plug any vacuum leaks.
Is the distributor computer controlled, or does it just not have a vacuum advance can at all? If the previous owner was drag racing exclusively, that might make sense. Vacuum advance on the street is helpful, though. If you want to tweak the timing, email Lars (PM me if you can't find his email), and ask for his timing and HEI setup papers.
Otherwise, if it runs, run it!
I spoke to old owner, car is built to run on mechanical advance only. So he said to plug the vacuum canister port with a cap. He is also little confused about the code 23 since mixture solenoid plug has been disconnected because of the new holley he put in. It's a mystery for sure.
What computer is throwing the 23 error code? If the original ECM is still powered-up, but isn't connected to anything, disconnect the power. If it was retained to manage the transmission lockup function, the ECM is still active and it will continue throwing the 23 error code.
What is this connection??
