Gettin an Intrmittent Code 54
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Getting an Intermittent Code 54
Just started a couple of days ago and doesn't always illuminate the SES light; just oncein a while on engine startup. When I checked 54 it de-codes as low fuel pump voltage.
I'm thinking relay; any other thoughts?
I'm wondering if somehow it could be connected to the wider plug gap I'm now running. Seems improbable that wider plug gaps could be the cause though. I opened my plug gaps to .050 on the advice from Jacobs Electronics book. That reommendation says the engine gets a fatter spark resulting in about 6 more hp.
Read somewhere else that gaps that wide put a strain on the electrical system, so I'm concerned. I would have expected any negative side effects of a wider plug gap to show up at the coil or arching plug wires though.
Any thoughts or experience in this department?
Thanks
Jake
[Modified by JAKE, 5:26 PM 1/6/2002]
I'm thinking relay; any other thoughts?
I'm wondering if somehow it could be connected to the wider plug gap I'm now running. Seems improbable that wider plug gaps could be the cause though. I opened my plug gaps to .050 on the advice from Jacobs Electronics book. That reommendation says the engine gets a fatter spark resulting in about 6 more hp.
Read somewhere else that gaps that wide put a strain on the electrical system, so I'm concerned. I would have expected any negative side effects of a wider plug gap to show up at the coil or arching plug wires though.
Any thoughts or experience in this department?
Thanks
Jake
[Modified by JAKE, 5:26 PM 1/6/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Gettin an Intrmittent Code 54 (JAKE)
I have a HyperTech coil/cap/rotor and run a plug gap of .045"-.050" with no problem. BTW, you might try cutting back the ground electrodes for another 5 HP boost.
During normal op, the FP power is through the FP relay which is powered by the oil pressure sw. You could pop the rubber boot at the tank and check the FP voltage. Since it is intermitent and the SES goes out the problem is not in the startup circuit which primes the fuel rail for 2sec. when the key is tuned on.
You can monitor the FP voltage between pins "A", upper right & "G", lower left, on the ALDL.
Also there are three contacts in a black plug just under the FP mounting flange that get oxidized over time. Pull the FP assembly out of the tank and burnish these contacts (another Gordon Killebrew tip).
During normal op, the FP power is through the FP relay which is powered by the oil pressure sw. You could pop the rubber boot at the tank and check the FP voltage. Since it is intermitent and the SES goes out the problem is not in the startup circuit which primes the fuel rail for 2sec. when the key is tuned on.
You can monitor the FP voltage between pins "A", upper right & "G", lower left, on the ALDL.
Also there are three contacts in a black plug just under the FP mounting flange that get oxidized over time. Pull the FP assembly out of the tank and burnish these contacts (another Gordon Killebrew tip).
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Re: Gettin an Intrmittent Code 54 (65Z01)
Thanks much for those tips.
I've got to pull the pump anyway to clean off the fuel gauge connectors hoping to solve my inaccuate gauge problem, so I can clean the voltage connections at the same time.
I'll post my results.
Thanks much.
Jake
I've got to pull the pump anyway to clean off the fuel gauge connectors hoping to solve my inaccuate gauge problem, so I can clean the voltage connections at the same time.
I'll post my results.
Thanks much.
Jake
