So my car died

Topic: So my car died (Read 1025 times) previous topic - next topic

So my car died

July 25, 2005, 02:39:30 AM

Ok, i have an 82 cougar wagon, 3.8L V6. I was leaving the store, when the car started to sputter and it wouldn't go above 1000 RPMs (i installed a tach) and the engine died. so i had to leave the car in the parking lot over night, and i was going to check the next morning and have it towed.

When i came back with my dad we were checking all the connections. and the car finally started, and i drove it to the gas station and it died just as i pulled in, exactly the same way.

After running some tests i found that i wasn't getting a spark, and randomly it start working, again... so my dad tapped the coil with a wrench and it stalled out. So we replaced the coil, still had the same problem, then the mechanic took a look and said the main box that sends the spark to the coil, was dead. and he's gonna replace it.

I was wondering if that doesn't work, is there anything else i could do?

Thanks
-Matt

Re: So my car died

Reply #1 – July 25, 2005, 07:56:36 AM

It could be the ignition module or possibly even the dist itself. There are only a couple things to look at for spark on the older Duraspark'ed cars.

Re: So my car died

Reply #2 – July 25, 2005, 09:24:36 AM

So you installed a tach? How long after you installed it before you started getting the problem? Could it be causing your problem?

Re: So my car died

Reply #3 – July 25, 2005, 12:49:22 PM

Probably 24 out of 25 times ign problems are the module on the old Dura spark systems(or brain box as they used to say down in N Carolina). Those things actually gave far more problems than the TFIs used in the EEC-IV system...

Re: So my car died

Reply #4 – July 26, 2005, 04:57:39 AM

First: I've had the tach on here for about 10 months, so that's not the problem,

Second: I talked to the mechanic he said it was the ignition module, and he already checked the distributor cap, so by Tuesday at noon the car should be ready. So i'm hoping that's all it is.

Thanks again for the advice!

-Matt

Re: So my car died

Reply #5 – July 27, 2005, 03:16:40 AM

Got the car back today, it was the ignition module, parts and labor only cost me $87 so that was a pretty good deal. and with the new coil i've noticed some improvement with the car.

Thanks again.

-Matt