Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Tech => Topic started by: Clayton on April 20, 2008, 11:07:55 AM

Title: 83 cat not getting spark
Post by: Clayton on April 20, 2008, 11:07:55 AM
Alright, the cat left me stranded at work a couple days ago.. and i traced it down to not having any spark.

i changed the coil

i changed the ICM... california emission special to that also!

 Im at a dead end... anyone got a suggestion on what i could check out?

it turns over fine its getting fuel just no go.
Title: 83 cat not getting spark
Post by: softtouch on April 20, 2008, 01:59:18 PM
3.8 with carb and duraspark II or 5.0 with CFI and EECIII?
Title: 83 cat not getting spark
Post by: Clayton on April 20, 2008, 11:45:10 PM
5.0 cfi
Title: 83 cat not getting spark
Post by: jcassity on April 21, 2008, 12:35:34 AM
you didnt answer the question.  just cause its cfi does not tell us anything about the distributor type.

83 was one of those years where the ignition system could be ds1 or 2.  Also, your CFI type would also be a little different from the 84 and up.
Title: 83 cat not getting spark
Post by: Clayton on April 21, 2008, 07:13:39 AM
i believe it has the earliest form of eecIII
Title: 83 cat not getting spark
Post by: Chuck W on April 21, 2008, 08:07:05 AM
It is an EEC3.

IIRC they have a separate ignition box, similar to the old DS set-up.
Title: 83 cat not getting spark
Post by: softtouch on April 21, 2008, 10:56:20 AM
EEC III uses the duraspark III ignition system.
It has a CPS (crankshaft position sensor) instead of a stator in the distributor.

The CPS is mounted somewhere near the crankshaft pulley.
Check that the wires to it are not broken. If the wires are good try replacing the CPS.

The ICM for DS II and DS III look alike but are different. If you are not sure you got the right one, put the original back in.
Title: 83 cat not getting spark
Post by: softtouch on May 01, 2008, 05:42:22 PM
Still no spark?
Title: 83 cat not getting spark
Post by: CougarSE on May 01, 2008, 10:45:40 PM
It did that to me a couple times.  I would jiggle the connection for the crank sensor (happens to be beside the dist) and it would fire right up and be good for a couple more months.
Title: 83 cat not getting spark
Post by: Clayton on May 02, 2008, 10:16:16 PM
really?, hrm... i need to do that when i get money for another battery :D cougar had bird battery, bird has battery back... ive been too busy to tinker with it... plus im more focused on the birdy at the moment... ask my pos dodge truck lol.
Title: 83 cat not getting spark
Post by: CougarSE on June 13, 2008, 09:34:34 PM
Does my car run yet?
Title: 83 cat not getting spark
Post by: jcassity on June 14, 2008, 10:05:33 AM
Quote from: 87thunderbirdBlackJack;216868
really?, hrm... i need to do that when i get money for another battery :D cougar had bird battery, bird has battery back... ive been too busy to tinker with it... plus im more focused on the birdy at the moment... ask my pos dodge truck lol.


I'll be in Ft wayne the 17-20th at Comcast Taylor st.
Title: 83 cat not getting spark
Post by: Clayton on June 14, 2008, 10:16:15 PM
yes, and i know two things that need fixed on it.... 1 the crank position sensor.... and two i need to ditch the cats and open that exhaust up a bit.

other than that she is gonna make CJ this year.


Ill keep my eyes open Scott.