Hello All, been enjoying the site for some time. A lot of great info and helpful people here.
My question. Ignition module (correct name? flat piece inside distributor, 2 screws and a plug in wire) Can this item be weak, or is it either good or bad.
The rest of the problem. '87 GT V6, 5 spd. 69,000 miles. Gas mileage suddenly went from 28mpg to 17 mpg. Couple days later, at 65mph, the car started to lose power. I was soon down to 20mph top speed. Pulled off the highway, car continued to run, but would not rev over 1500rpm. Finished my trip home on a flat bed. Now the car will start, but not rev. Misses out and has a strong fuel smell from exhaust. Reminds me a stuck choke. Haven't pulled any codes yet. Did replace the coil, but no improvement.
Any ideas or tips?
Thanks
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06:24 PM
PFF
System Bot
STALKIN SCORP Member
Posts: 58 From: fall river Mass Registered: May 2007
just had same problem, pulled distributor, and replaced pickup coil also. autozone cost about 50.00, lifetime warranty on module . when it starts to go , they start acting wacky. u dont have to replace pickup coil but definitely worth it. make sure u search for distributor removal thread and follow it and u will be all set. also good idea to replace o2 sensor. good luck....
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06:33 PM
jetman Member
Posts: 7788 From: Sterling Heights Mich Registered: Dec 2002
Most auto parts stores will test your ignition module, have them do it several times (3 or 4) they like to fail when hot. Strong smell of gas could be an O2 sensor on the way out.
Always a good idea to replace pick up coil along with module, I decided on the new style ignition distributor, better design, supposed to be able to replace pick up coil with out pulling distributor. https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/079386.html
Report back on the codes that you pull, plenty of folks here to help you out.
------------------ jetman Silver 86 SE 2M6 4-speed, with "check wallet light"
Could also be a clogged cat converter. Quick test is to physically remove the O2 sensor from the exhaust pipe and see if the car picks up some power.
A clogged cat is the first thing that crossed my mind. I would just disconnect the downpipe from the Y pipe and see if the power is back. A different method with basically the same result.
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09:23 PM
Oct 31st, 2007
sumerset64 Member
Posts: 19 From: Brownsburg, IN Registered: Oct 2007
Thanks for the help so far. Just pulled the codes, and got code 44 three times. This was the only code that showed up. Think I will change the O2 sensor, and see what happens. Any other advice on a code 44? Also, before pulling codes, I started engine and let it idle (still won't rev but will idle) and stood at back of car to listen for telltale noises. A very loud sucking sound was coming from the air intake just behind the drivers door. When I removed the air filter the sucking sound was very loud at the air intake. Never noticed this before. Any ideas?
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04:24 PM
sumerset64 Member
Posts: 19 From: Brownsburg, IN Registered: Oct 2007
I think we are on the right track. I unplugged, but did not remove the O2 sensor, started car, no improvement. Removed the O2 sensor, car ran normal, revved good. So, can I rule out the O2 sensor and go with a plugged CAT? Did the open hole where the O2 sensor was removed compensate for the clogged CAT?
Yes, the hole allowed enough exhaust out to allow the engine to run. I would replace the O2 sensor anyway, they're a maintenance item and fairly cheap. http://www.discountconverter.com carries them and cats cheap.
A bad O2 sensor will easily cause the mixture to go off enough to kill a cat pronto.