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General >> Problems >> 2.9 non starter ctd...
(Message started by: Allen on Mar 4th, 2007, 1:33pm)

Title: 2.9 non starter ctd...
Post by Allen on Mar 4th, 2007, 1:33pm
Having read all kind replies to my previous thread on this matter, i was contemplating which action to tackle first.
During this time of contemplation i had had the battery on charge, removed and cleaned the spark plugs, and put in a jerry can of fuel just incase it was something as simple as the fuel guage reading wrong and the tank being empty. Previously i had said that whilst attempting to start it had sounded just like a car trying to start after having just ran out of petrol.
Before i explored further possibilities i tried to start it and it fired up no trouble.
Following a night of persistant rain and cold temperature the car again took a good deal longer to fire up this morning. Similar to what happened previously.
Could this be indicative of the need to replace the plugs?
If the fuel guage was faulty, would both the analogue and digital displays remain constant with each other all be it wrong?

Title: Re: 2.9 non starter ctd...
Post by Spannerdemon on Mar 4th, 2007, 2:43pm
Just read your last post ref this.

If it started, then the distributor shaft is turning. Take the Distributor Cap off, and have a good look at the terminals inside the cap.. After many miles of use, oxidisation can cover the terminals inside the cap to such an extent that the spark isn't strong enough. Also clean up the very end of the rotor arm so that it's shiny and sending a good fat spark to the cap contacts.

A dremel with a fine wire brush is extremely good for this, or, with care, a small fine file, but take it easy. The oxidisation will come off in grey coloured bits, leaving you with nice clean terminals.

If this makes a difference (and it definitely will), then I'd order yourself a new Cap and Rotor.

I know you've checked under your glovebox for moisture, but have you actually undone the plug that connects to your ECU. If this is damp, or the pins are corroded, then you'll get problems. 10mm spanner needed, and it's only a five minute job.

Finally, gauges on these Scorpios can be unreliable, but the computer displays are usually spot on.

Anyway. have a go at this. I think you might be surprised at just how much crud is on the terminals inside the distributor cap.  ;)



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