legacycentral bbs

OK, I've replaced the coil-pak w/ a used one and no change.

Changed plug wires and still the same problem. It was sure running smoother with the new wires but after just a few miles it started acting up again.

When this thing starts acting up and I continure to drive it, it starts giving off a horrible smell, almost like rubber burning. The belts are still turning as nothing is ceased up that I can see. Is it just because I keep driving it and I'm putting a strain on the motor?
For the first time while driving it while it was acting up my CEL came on. I'll check for codes when I get home this afternoon.


Any ideas in the meantime? What next???

I thought it was a coincidence but it fixes the problem 98% of the time. If I pull a wire off the coil and start the car, shut it off, re-connect it, it runs fine. No particular wire but lately I've been pulling off the wire closest to the passenger seat. Not sure which cylinder #.

When I start it with the wire removed it just arcs out of the coil like normal. But for some reason it temporarily fixes the problem.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

I think I've found the source of the smell. When the car is acting up and I continure to drive it, it seems the muffler is getting super hot. The smell I think is just the surrounding undercoating.

Not sure it it means anything but if anybody has any ideas please let me know.

The problem seems to be getting alot worse. I could drive for days without it acting up and now it's almost all the time.

Sounds like your catalytic converter is clogged, and if so, then your engine cannot breathe....

Maybe. But the mystery to me would be, why does the trick with the coil seam to reset and temporarily fix it?

If so, wonder how I can figure out which one. What a nightmare it would be to have to break these exhaust bolts after 16 yrs

If you can find it, Zep 45. If not, PB Blaster. Spray the bolts liberally several days in a row before you go to work on it. Some bolts need a lot of torque to break, others need rapid impact. Exhaust would be the rapid-impact kind as too much torque would shred them. Without an impact gun, crank on the bolt with a wrench and rapidly strike the handle with a small hammer while applying torque. The rapid strikes are key, not heavy blows. If not, you'll need more destructive methods.

I'm still not sure if it's a CAT because of the way I can temporarily remedy the problem messing with the coil and plug wires.

Anyway to tell which Cat? Do I need to take it to a shop?

Just touchin' stuff while it was running right and tugged at the wires just behind the connector to the spark ignitor and BAM it started crappin' out on me

I pulled the connector shot a little WD40 on her and she's fantastic. It feels better with the new wires so no regrets.

I've got an extra coil-pak too and I'm a happy mofo

thanks for the support