timing specs, plug gaps and starting problems.
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timing specs, plug gaps and starting problems.
Hi, I bought a used Aerostar 91 model 3 liter v6 automatic w/ac . Well, I knew it was cheap, relatively speaking, now I know why! Luckily, I've got a friend who is a mechanic. He just changed the plugs, plug cables, and fuel filter and battery for me. (the used car place had put in a battery too low on amps for it!) However, it now conks out in idle...and slow manuevers like backing up and 3 point turns.....my 'mechanic' wants to know about specs for fixing the timing/idle speed and the correct plug gaps for this model. Needless to say, the car came without a manual!
The other issue is trouble starting the thing. Even after changing plugs etc, it seems to often take at least 2 attempts to start it....often with putting the foot on the gas. Jeff suspects a faulty seal in the gas tank, allowing gas to flow back into the tank instead of staying in the lines under pressure. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jeanne
The other issue is trouble starting the thing. Even after changing plugs etc, it seems to often take at least 2 attempts to start it....often with putting the foot on the gas. Jeff suspects a faulty seal in the gas tank, allowing gas to flow back into the tank instead of staying in the lines under pressure. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jeanne
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: North of Pittsburgh
timing specs, plug gaps and starting problems.
The proper spark plug gap is on a label located on a sticker under the hood. You usually have to increase the gap on new plugs for this vehicle. Does the check engine light come on at all before the vehicle conks out? Also the vacuum lines on an Aerostar on this age are notorius for leaking because they have softened over the years. Did he check for that? It also could be one of a number of engine sensors.Xrayjock
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timing specs, plug gaps and starting problems.
The check engine light comes on when it conks....as always when it conks...The guage indicating alternater charge may begin to fluxuate as the engine becomes uneven. So far, we have not found any stickers under the hood to indicate the idlespeed or the spark plug gap, but we will check again.... thanks so far.
Jeanne
Jeanne
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From: PNW
timing specs, plug gaps and starting problems.
Make sure the IAC valve and the air passage in the throttle body are clean. Spark plug gap can usually be found (at least here in the States) in a spark plug catalog or on a sticker under the hood. By the way, I'm not sure a manual would do you much good. I have the factory service manual for a '91 and it doesn't specify the gap, unless it's in some not-so-obvious location.
Regarding the hard starting, try the following test to determine if the check valve in the tank is bad. After letting the van sit overnight, turn the key to ON (not START) until you hear the fuel pump quit running. Then turn the key to OFF. Repeat the ON-OFF cycle about 5 times, then try to start. If it starts right away, the check valve is bad. If not, the problem lies elsewhere. Once the engine starts, are there any other symptoms, like rough running until warm?
Regarding the hard starting, try the following test to determine if the check valve in the tank is bad. After letting the van sit overnight, turn the key to ON (not START) until you hear the fuel pump quit running. Then turn the key to OFF. Repeat the ON-OFF cycle about 5 times, then try to start. If it starts right away, the check valve is bad. If not, the problem lies elsewhere. Once the engine starts, are there any other symptoms, like rough running until warm?
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From: Bergen, Norway
timing specs, plug gaps and starting problems.
Hei
Turns out there are more than one Aerostar in Norway.
I'll repeat the message in English after the Norwegian version.
Altsaa: Jeg kjopte ogsaa nettopp en gammel A.S. Den gikk tidvis daarlig inntil jeg renset tomgangs-dysen.
Dysen sitter paa luftinntak/manifold paa høyre side. To bolter, ta av, del den i to, rens og la torke godt/blaas tørr. Bruk en borste (liten tannborste f.x.).
Etter rens maa batteriet kobles fra i 10-20 min for at den elektroniske motorstyringen skal nullstille seg. Motoren gaar noen timer foer den jevner seg ut.
Kan ogsaa se ut til at du skal sjekke bensinpumpe/injeksjonsanlegget .
Manual kan du kjoepe paa nett, sok etter "Haynes", betalte ca $24 inkl frakt.
Les HELE FORUMET, alle relevante innlegg. Mye god info. Hjalp meg!
Lykke til.
English version:
I too have rec. bought an old A.S. It ran badly until cleaning the AirBypassValve. Two bolts, dismantle, clean, let dry/blow dry. Use a brush if necry. Detatch battery for 10-20min letting the eec reset. Engine must run for a c. of hrs to smoothen.
Also check fuel pump/injecton system.
Buy a manual, u get one from Haynes rel. cheap on the net.
READ THE FORUM. Did help me a lot. !
Good luck!
Turns out there are more than one Aerostar in Norway.
I'll repeat the message in English after the Norwegian version.
Altsaa: Jeg kjopte ogsaa nettopp en gammel A.S. Den gikk tidvis daarlig inntil jeg renset tomgangs-dysen.
Dysen sitter paa luftinntak/manifold paa høyre side. To bolter, ta av, del den i to, rens og la torke godt/blaas tørr. Bruk en borste (liten tannborste f.x.).
Etter rens maa batteriet kobles fra i 10-20 min for at den elektroniske motorstyringen skal nullstille seg. Motoren gaar noen timer foer den jevner seg ut.
Kan ogsaa se ut til at du skal sjekke bensinpumpe/injeksjonsanlegget .
Manual kan du kjoepe paa nett, sok etter "Haynes", betalte ca $24 inkl frakt.
Les HELE FORUMET, alle relevante innlegg. Mye god info. Hjalp meg!
Lykke til.
English version:
I too have rec. bought an old A.S. It ran badly until cleaning the AirBypassValve. Two bolts, dismantle, clean, let dry/blow dry. Use a brush if necry. Detatch battery for 10-20min letting the eec reset. Engine must run for a c. of hrs to smoothen.
Also check fuel pump/injecton system.
Buy a manual, u get one from Haynes rel. cheap on the net.
READ THE FORUM. Did help me a lot. !
Good luck!
