pagiven@drutx.UUCP (GivenP) (08/22/85)
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For a routine preventive maintenance 100K mile tune up, I replaced:
- Spark Plugs, properly gapped.
- High performance silicone ignition wires.
- Ignition coil.
- Distributor cap.
- Rotor.
The car has a 231 cubic inch V6 engine (no flames please!) with a
pointless ignition system. The engine was just steam cleaned to
get rid of grease and oil buildup that could lead to high voltage
short circuits.
I started the car after the tune up, and heard a crackling sound as
if spark were jumping to ground. I pulled the car into the garage
and darkened the area as much as possible. While searching for the
tell tale blue spark, the sound suddenly went away. However, when
I drive the car now, I get very bad ignition interference on the AM
radio. The engine performance seems OK, but who can tell with a V6?:-)
How do I isolate the problem? Where is the probable cause? Wires?
Rotor? Distributor cap? Is there a capacitor or some other igni-
tion part that I failed to change that could be causing the noise?
BTW, I wish to thank all those who responded to my request for help
in selecting the right organization for automatic transmission
repairs. The consensus thought the dealer would be the best place
to go, with independent mechanics a close second. The dealer char-
ged $60 to clean out a couple of suspect valves that control the
shifting from 2nd to 1st. It helped, but the problem reappeared
after a few days. The car goes back to the dealer today.
Thanks to all!!
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Paul Given {ihnp4, houxe, stcvax!ihnp4}!drutx!pagiven
AT&T Information Systems Laboratories
11900 N. Pecos, Rm 1B04, Denver 80234 (303)-538-4058
-----------------------------------------------------------------pagiven@drutx.UUCP (GivenP) (08/29/85)
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A very cordial thanks to all those who took the time and interest
to respond to requests for help on a radio noise problem and a
slipping auto tranny.
After replacing all components of an ignition system, a static
noise appeared on the radio. Following suggestions, I checked all
wires for good connection and could detect no high voltage leaking
from the secondary. What I did notice, however, was that when the
turn signal was flashing, the noise would pulse in time with the
turn signal! This leads me to the suspicion that the low voltage
system is getting the noise induced into it from somewhere: the
radio might be picking up the noise from the power supply. This
weekend I shall re-check the installation of the coil and the con-
nections to the 12V system. I might even try the to power the
radio from a separate 12V supply to see if the noise disappears.
Unfortunately (never again!!) I discarded the old parts before
being absolutely sure the new stuff worked OK. If worse comes to
worse, I will replace each part again, one by one, until the noise
goes away. I will save the replaced good parts for the next tune-
up.
The dealer cleaned some valves in the tranny for $60. Next morning
I found that the tranny still slipped. The car was returned to the
dealer for further work. It was discovered that the fluid was down
and when topped off the problem went away. It works fine now.
Many apologies from the dealer, and no additional charge. I would
have checked that myself, if the car hadn't just been serviced by
them!
Thanks again!
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Paul Given {ihnp4, houxe, stcvax!ihnp4}!drutx!pagiven
AT&T Information Systems Laboratories
11900 N. Pecos, Rm 1B04, Denver 80234 (303)-538-4058
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