Troubleshooting advise, please?

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Jul 31, 2012 | 12:24 PM

Billwrin

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Heel & Toe

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Troubleshooting advise, please?

1984 with 118k mile on it. Bought it when it had 111k miles in April. Has been running well since I replaced the air filter, cap & rotor, plug wires, spread the wires properly, and set the timing. Two weeks ago while nearing the end of a two hour drive I lost almost all power, had just enough to get it home.

I have replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, timing set, water pump, I even drilled 3 holes in the front of the catalytic converter to make sure that's not the problem. I have fuel and spark.

Here's the best clue I have so far but don't know what it means. I have to retard the timing 10+ degrees to get it to fire then within in seconds have to return the distributor back to it's original position to keep it running.

What could it be?

Jul 31, 2012 | 01:36 PM

coupeguy2001

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From: Phoenix AZ

2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist

almost sounds like the dist. module is compromised. Sometimes they go due to heat.

Or the ECM is starting to go, but probably not.

You need to download any codes.
THe ECM will give you a better idea of what you are looking at if there is a bad sensor.

Jul 31, 2012 | 04:06 PM

1986coupe

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2003

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From: Niagara Falls ON

Check the ICM. They are cheap enough to replace and they are affected by heat.

Are you getting any codes?

Jul 31, 2012 | 04:36 PM

Billwrin

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I haven't learned how to retrieve codes from this car yet. I did, however, just get the check engine light on today. I suppose now is as good a time as any to learn how to do that. How do you get the codes?

Jul 31, 2012 | 04:38 PM

Billwrin

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This car is so old and neglected I wouldn't mind replacing everything, once. Just not all at once.

Jul 31, 2012 | 07:38 PM

DA1984VETTE

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From: New Madison Ohio

I don't know if they do an OBD I car or not, but Autozone doesn't charge anything to check for codes. The check engine light has to be on though.
Or you can use a paper clip. Find the OBD connector that looks like this (below pic) under the dash, should be easy to locate and put a paper clip in pins A&B turn on ignition, but do not start car. The first code will be a 12 which is one long flash followed by 2 short flashes this will flash 3 times. Then just read the flashes after that for codes, when all done it will flash the 12 code again. Just watch how the codes flash then read them. Hope this helps.

Jul 31, 2012 | 08:26 PM

Billwrin

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Absolutely! Thank you. I have done a similar task on different cars just didn't know the specifics.

Jul 31, 2012 | 10:16 PM

Billwrin

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So, I've replaced the ICM inside the distributor. There isn't any change. Could it be possible that the distributor isn't reacting to the ICM like it should? Maybe I need to change the distributor?

By the way,I'll be getting engine codes in the morning.