Hi - got a 90 Aerostar with 3.0/Auto. It was running a bit rough, so I did the plugs/cap/rotor thing. Afterwards, it idled OK but would miss under load. Thought I might have broken a plug wire, so I replaced them - no change. Thought I might have gotten a bad Autolite plug (it happens), so I cleaned and regapped the original Bosch Plats - no change. Put the old cap and rotor back on - no change. The only other thing I did after the initial tune-up was to spray some Gumout down the intake (maybe I trashed a valve?). Now I'm at a loss. I thought perhaps the ignition module was going bad, but from my experience, they just go out completely - plus, I don't want to just throw parts at it.

My last thought was that I got the plug wires off sequence by one when I replaced the cap. However, that would throw timing off by 60 degrees and it wouldn't idle correctly - right?

I was going to check the timing, but I can't find the SPOUT connector (and I've looked EVERYWHERE) I checked the archives but they've not been much help. I know what the SPOUT looks like (I've timed other Fords before), but it ain't where it's supposed to be! The VECI label says it's near the distributor - not on mine it ain't. Anybody got a clue as to it's location? I did see an unused connector near the master cylinder - gray with a black wire and a brown wire - but no shorting plug. (NOTE - someone in the archives said they saw one near the MC)

The van's got 135K miles on it - maybe it's just tired and took this opportunity to let me know. Awful big coincidence though!

I'm open to all suggestions - I'm this close to taking it to a (ughhh) dealer...

Thanx in advance for ANY help!

 

On my 1992 3.0 auto the SPOUT is next to the Master Cylinder, and the ICM is mounted on the passenger side inner fender. There are many opinions as to the location of the SPOUT and ICM and the model year in which their location was changed. (When I first timed my van I disconnected what I thought was the SPOUT (it wasn't the SPOUT) and the timing at idle was about 25 degrees BTDC, and the timing mark jumped around a lot due to the computer having control of the timing. If you get these results you haven't disconnected the SPOUT). As for the misfire since the tune up (I'm assuming it wasn't misfiring before), its easy to dislodge things while trying to gain access to those plugs and wires. You may have pulled off an electrical connector or a vacuum hose, e.g., the long vacuum hose between the charcoal canister under the air filter and the evaporative emissions control solenoid on the back of the driver's side rocker cover near the distributor and PCV valve. Or you may have dislodged the PCV valve. I've accidentally reversed 2 plug wires and it runs REALLY badly at idle. There is a sticker on the throttle body warning not to clean its innards - but that's because it has a coating that allegedly resists the buildup of gunge. I can't see how it could damage a valve. I can't do paragraphs on this message board. Jan Richter.

 

Thanx for the response!

I've still not found the SPOUT connector - I think a trip to the local Ford dealership may be in order...

I don't think I clearly expressed the problem I've got (or caused). Before tune-up, the engine ran a bit rough - this was usually cured by a tankful of Amoco Premium. After I replaced the plugs, wires, etc., it idles nicely, but runs rough under load. It seems like it begins to "surge" around 35 MPH, then really starts bucking - almost feels like the TPS has gone toes-up.

I don't think the problem is a loose connector/vac hose, although I did have to be somewhat of a contortionist to get the plugs in (and lost a good deal of skin from my forearms in the process) I've gone over every connector and hose I can find 3 times! I've reseated each FI harness, the TPS connector, - actually, anything that looked electrical has been re-seated.

If I can't fix by the weekend, it may turn into a new Saturn...

Thanx