A cfi 5.0...CEL after 1/2 hr driving but "runs fine"

Topic: A cfi 5.0...CEL after 1/2 hr driving but "runs fine" (Read 865 times) previous topic - next topic

A cfi 5.0...CEL after 1/2 hr driving but "runs fine"

October 20, 2008, 11:10:53 AM

Im looking at a potential winter beater...84 or 85 vic, guy didnt list the year but by the pic...bumpers...looks to be an '84. Thus CFI. Says motor is solid, no oil leaks, "runs strong" blah blah but after a half hour the CEL comes on but it still runs the same. Thinkin maybe temp sensor? Naturally should I choose to buy this thing I'll pull codes, see if I can do anything about it.

But for $600, Id just as soon leave it if it will run alright and get me through the winter. Thing wont even be out in messy stuff...Im a firm believer in not being a "hero" and just staying home. But I cant have the kitty in the salt...from this point on NO MORE it wont stay nice as we all know with this sheetmetal.

Anyone think this would be a problem? I mean if its gonna like make it run rich and wash the cyls then I'll take action. And I DO realize how little there is to go on so feel free to bash me for this post but I thought why not ask just for the hell of it.

Says the prev owner redid the front end and had the tranny rebuilt, new gas tank, some brake lines replaced....so I'll go check it out at least. Has 191k so those things, if indeed done, are good to hear.

A cfi 5.0...CEL after 1/2 hr driving but "runs fine"

Reply #1 – October 20, 2008, 12:13:20 PM

Well until you run codes we can't help you.

If it's running "fine", then it may be nothing to worry about.

A cfi 5.0...CEL after 1/2 hr driving but "runs fine"

Reply #2 – October 20, 2008, 01:09:22 PM

Exactly what I figured...as I said I plan to find out because he just taped over the thing :rolleyes: and I'd like it to not have reason to be there.

A cfi 5.0...CEL after 1/2 hr driving but "runs fine"

Reply #3 – October 20, 2008, 02:26:52 PM

Are you sure it is an amber CEL and not a red "engine" light?
I didn't think any 84s had a CEL.

A cfi 5.0...CEL after 1/2 hr driving but "runs fine"

Reply #4 – October 20, 2008, 02:36:29 PM

That's true...it could be overheating. The '84's did not have any gauges, just idiot lights.

That being said, how long it gets driven while that light is on could dictate the condition of a car that is said to run fine...

A cfi 5.0...CEL after 1/2 hr driving but "runs fine"

Reply #5 – October 20, 2008, 03:00:57 PM

Ugh....apologies...helps to read an email correctly. He didnt say "check engine light"....just said "engine light". So yea maybe the idiot light....which would suck but it is what it is. I'll fnd out tomorrow, and as per Vinnie's rule I will be updating this LOL.

A cfi 5.0...CEL after 1/2 hr driving but "runs fine"

Reply #6 – October 20, 2008, 04:28:12 PM

Yep, either overheating or low oil pressure.

Well just in case anyones curious

Reply #7 – October 21, 2008, 02:27:13 PM

I checked it out...short test drive, the light came on. Hoses, radiator, felt very normal, not even painful, I could touch em. Engine sounds very quiet, smooth etc. So who knows. He said the light has done that for 25K+ miles. But Im walking, I talked him down to $500 *IF* he kept the caprice hubcaps that were on it and the battery. Shifter was kinda weird bound up and stuff, gas pedal was VERY hard and rough cable probably really full of or something, totally cobbled-togethr exhaust.

However...good ol cl....for ~$300 more I might have something this afternoon that is FAR nicer and will last a MUCH longer time. Hell maybe even my MOM would want to drive this one! lol (mainly because of the exhaust my mom refuses to even get IN the cougar). Keep an eye on user rides........