'74 2L Starts Then Dies, Never a convenient time... Options

[Mike D.]

Fuel injector Trigger points in the distributor...?

[GregAmy]

There is always Chris Foley around the corner from you before you give up. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Hah! Nope, not giving up. I have a good relationship with those guys (Chris fabbed the race car for the prior owner and built the engine that's in it now) so I'll figger it out. Chip, chip, chipping away.

Fuel injector Trigger points in the distributor...?

I've ordered the reman Cardone distributor from Advance. Counter Guy swears that if it's in the computer then he can get it (I'm doubtful) so we'll see.

I've temp-wired a switch in the engine compartment to ground the CSV for now and verified that the CSV shoots a nice pattern with key crank. We'll see if that makes any difference on cold starts.

In the market for a good used thermoswitch.

[Mike D.]

There is always Chris Foley around the corner from you before you give up. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Hah! Nope, not giving up. I have a good relationship with those guys (Chris fabbed the race car for the prior owner and built the engine that's in it now) so I'll figger it out. Chip, chip, chipping away.

Fuel injector Trigger points in the distributor...?

I've ordered the reman Cardone distributor from Advance. Counter Guy swears that if it's in the computer then he can get it (I'm doubtful) so we'll see.

I've temp-wired a switch in the engine compartment to ground the CSV for now and verified that the CSV shoots a nice pattern with key crank. We'll see if that makes any difference on cold starts.

In the market for a good used thermoswitch.

Dist. trigger points don't fire the CSV/injector.
you can pull the distributor, remove/clean/check trigger points and re-instal on the stock dist. in the meantime. Or check for continuity while someone is cranking (disconnect coil while handling dist. in car)

[GregAmy]

And the answer is...(or seems to be...)


Wait for it...


Bad MPS.

Haven't taken it for a drive yet (April showers and all that) but Tangetine rebuilt the MPS and it has totally transformed the car. Starts, runs and idles, doesn't suddenly die, idle is consistent.

Ed noticed a lot of my symptoms, plus some others I offered (such as I gave the ecu dialed full rich to stop surging at idle, and poor throttle response on the road) and figured I was running lean, and that the MPS needed rebuild. I found that diagnosis odd, given the MPS held a vacuum. So Chris suggested I try adjusting it instead. I removed it and handed it to them to mod for that, and they found a cracked diaphragm. They rebuilt it and when I bolted it on the car and started it up the difference was immediately evident.

Adjusted the MPS richer to move the ecu knob to the middle, adjusted ignition timing to 27, set idle and now it starts nicely. Plus, running lean and 10 degrees too much timing could also explain why it runs too hot in the summer.

As noted, I still need to take it out on a nice day, but I think we have this licked.

Scroll up and see if you called it like Ed did. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[DRPHIL914]

And the answer is...(or seems to be...)


Wait for it...


Bad MPS.

Haven't taken it for a drive yet (April showers and all that) but Tangetine rebuilt the MPS and it has totally transformed the car. Starts, runs and idles, doesn't suddenly die, idle is consistent.

Ed noticed a lot of my symptoms, plus some others I offered (such as I gave the ecu dialed full rich to stop surging at idle, and poor throttle response on the road) and figured I was running lean, and that the MPS needed rebuild. I found that diagnosis odd, given the MPS held a vacuum. So Chris suggested I try adjusting it instead. I removed it and handed it to them to mod for that, and they found a cracked diaphragm. They rebuilt it and when I bolted it on the car and started it up the difference was immediately evident.

Adjusted the MPS richer to move the ecu knob to the middle, adjusted ignition timing to 27, set idle and now it starts nicely. Plus, running lean and 10 degrees too much timing could also explain why it runs too hot in the summer.

As noted, I still need to take it out on a nice day, but I think we have this licked.

Scroll up and see if you called it like Ed did. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I did!!!! Post #13 on first page! As I said then, had the same symptoms and frustrated the hell out of me. Almost sold the car-
Congratulations hope you can now enjoy driving it!! Maybe it will make it to Okteenrfest this year!!

[GregAmy]

I did!!!! Post #13 on first page! As I said then, had the same symptoms and frustrated the hell out of me. Almost sold the car-

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/drunk.gif)

Just a quick follow up...the car is totally transformed. For those of you that have never experienced a bad MPS, trust me, this is like an automotive religious experience. Just spend the money because now my car that ran like total hell is a joy to drive: starts, idles, runs smooth, warms up nicely, and doesn't die when I push in the clutch at a light...with this system running correctly all thoughts of carbs is long, long gone.