Problem with Spark on an 89'

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Nov 15, 2007 | 07:18 AM

81Bronk36

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Problem with Spark on an 89'

I have been trying to get my truck to run better for a week now, changed the wires, cap, rotor, removed the TFI module, got it tested, re-installed it but the truck is still running like crap and smells horrible, I originally thought the problem was my cat untill I found my spark tester, put it on #1 and "said oh crap somehow it got broken!" then I put it on some other wires and I get spark. I pulled the #1 spark plug and it hadn't gotten spark in a while either. I am getting almost no spark on some of the cylinders it seams to vary which cylinder does and doesnt get spark. I can even pull the #1 spark plug boot off while its running and it doesn't change the way it runs. I am thinking coil but money is really tight right now to just throw parts at it. Any ideas?? Anyone else have this problem??

Nov 15, 2007 | 10:23 AM

rswhitmore

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Check all of the grounds under the hood. A broken, loose or corroded ground connection could cause these symptons. I would even try adding some extra grounds between the engine, frame, etc. and make sure the distributor hold-down bolt is not oily and is making good contact.

Nov 15, 2007 | 05:00 PM

81Bronk36

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Good ones! Thanks for the ideas, i will check those!

Nov 15, 2007 | 09:29 PM

mousetrap65

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89 has compuker have it scaned 45$ but worth the $

Nov 16, 2007 | 07:16 AM

81Bronk36

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I already checked the KOEO codes myself and didnt get anything related to this. The battery has been dissconnected a bunch to do my electric fan mod and then a week or so later it started running like this.

Nov 16, 2007 | 10:23 AM

blue beast

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From: sunny fla sometimes windy

Resetting the computer will erase the parameters, Now it is being fed crap info from
a bad component. The computer will eventually figure out it is getting a bad signal
but I am sure you don't want to wait. Pull out the o2 sensor and clean the tip with
a propane torch try 15 seconds in the flame, it isn't going to be shining but you should
see it get cleaner, there is probably a bunch of crap on it since you have a non firing
spark plug!! Check it's output too with a multimeter(search for testing o2) 2 bottles
of heet and 2 of iso heet will rule out any water issues if it isn't getting fuel to that
cylinder.

Nov 17, 2007 | 08:20 AM

81Bronk36

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OK I replaced the coil, I thought it would fix the problem since the heat sink on the old coil was broken from the coil, but alas the same problem. I pulled off the #1 wire, then it started getting spark. I got zapped threw my hand and down my leg since it was touching the bumper. Also seams like now its just 1 and 6 not getting spark. What would cause no spark when hooked to the plugs but spark otherwise?? never had to deal with this.