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Non Distributot Ingition not firing on 1 & 4
Sent to Car Experts May 22 09:04 PM

1988 Buick 2.5L Distributorless. Fires on 2 & 3 not on 1 & 4. Replaced both coils and computer. What do I need to do next?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
May 22 9:08 PM (3 minutes and 45 seconds later)
         
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Steve7654 -- Auto Service Technician99% Positive Feedback on 1735 Car Accepts
27 yrs ASE L1 Master Technician, Service manager
Info Request
May 22 9:12 PM (4 minutes and 30 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
 Since a  single spark fires in a complete loop through both plugs, it only takes an open circuit on either one to make them both miss. You may have the firing order wrong or have a bad plug or wire. You would have to test resistance on all the wires to find out.
Tech501 -- Auto Service Technician96% Positive Feedback on 740 Car Accepts
38 years exp, ASE Mastertech with L1 Advanced Engine performance
Answer
May 22 9:25 PM (12 minutes and 50 seconds later)
         
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Steve7654 -- Auto Service Technician99% Positive Feedback on 1735 Car Accepts
27 yrs ASE L1 Master Technician, Service manager
Info Request
May 22 9:30 PM (4 minutes and 49 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
 A single control module system can't lose only specific cylinders like that.  It's a sequential firing, switching mechanism. It doesn't know what cylinder it's firing. It merely counts from the #1 reference forward.  Unless there is a promlem with the contact circuit

Edited by Tech501 on May 22 2005 at 9:32 PM
Tech501 -- Auto Service Technician96% Positive Feedback on 740 Car Accepts
38 years exp, ASE Mastertech with L1 Advanced Engine performance
Reply
May 23 7:02 PM (21 hours and 32 minutes and 34 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tech501's Post: Thank you so much for your reply. I changed the wires and plugs and what do you know? The engine started running on all fours!! I do want to reward you for your help, and I need some more advice too. This little Buick has been setting for 3 or 4 years. Your advice got the engine to running on all four cylinders but it runs sloppy.
It is like the timing is off or something. It will run smoothly for a little bit and then start rattling like a spark knock. When I put it into gear it will shake and die if I don't give a little throttle. I charged the A/C and it started running smoothly and then it would sort of cycle smooth and then rough. I took it out on the road and it was real doggy like the timing was very retarded, spark knocking and the like. I know that a 4 cyl is not real snappy but it used to run very snappy compared to now. Again it has had a new computer, new coils, new plugs and wires, and a new fuel pump. Please help if you can and let me know how to give the feed back and to pay you something for your help.
Thank You!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 23 7:17 PM (14 minutes and 46 seconds later)
         
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Tech501 -- Auto Service Technician96% Positive Feedback on 740 Car Accepts
38 years exp, ASE Mastertech with L1 Advanced Engine performance
Reply
May 23 8:04 PM (47 minutes and 16 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tech501's Post: Your information was most helpful. We got the engine to run on all four cylinders. I want to pay you for your help. I will ask another question related to the same vehicle and we will do some business. Thank you very much!!!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 23 8:11 PM (6 minutes and 39 seconds later)
         
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Tech501 -- Auto Service Technician96% Positive Feedback on 740 Car Accepts
38 years exp, ASE Mastertech with L1 Advanced Engine performance
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