I was sitting at a stop light and heard a loud bang. Loud enough to rattle glass. Was this probably a backfire and if so should I be thinking about a new timing chain and distributor?

Thanks

Other symptoms:

Suddenly dies and then won't restart until I monkey with the wire running from the coil to the distributor. Then is seems to run fine.

According to the volt gauge, at idle I am at 13 volts but at higher rpms the volts go back to around 18. This happens even though I can see that the belt is not slipping.

Headlights pulse at highway speeds.

Temp gauge shows it running hotter than normal. Above mid-range at times.

I hear a new whining sound at idle that seems to disappear at speed.

I think I'll start with plugs and wires and then look at replacing the pickup coil.

Anyone know what replacing the timing belt will run me?

Thanks

From some of these symptoms, I would ask I if your battery is in good shape. If one cell is gone, 10 volts, with good amperage, may still start the car and hide the problem.

The alternator is running hard -- thus the temp. increase?--no...THE RADIATOR FAN is probably not running, a major power draw! Plus the whine, the alternator diodes crying for help, or just dying!

A short in the battery could be to blame.

Good luck!

[This message has been edited by Jdlog (edited 12-05-2003).]

Might need to replace the ignition module. - k

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88 GT T-Top 5-spd #338 of 1252
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