1982 Spider seems to be fuel hungry

[terrylee9]

Ok, so I put Vick's headers on car, changed AFS, changed coolant sensor, has free flow exaust, new plugs, clean filter, good cap, new magnetic coil wire, new throttle control switch. She idles fine. Starts right everytime. No backfire when placed upder load at idle. When I take her out, she seems to be fuel starved. Acts just an old V8 with the timing retarded. I am running out of ideas. Havn't checked to injectors, fuel pump or lines. I just want to believe it is something simple. Any ideas? It is making me crazy!!

[jfrawley]

Please excuse this post if it's too simplistic, but I read the list of what you did to the car and didn't see "set timing". The way your's is acting is exactly how my '82 acts when the timing is not set correctly.

JF

[terrylee9]

Thanks JF. My car has an electronic ignition. I know the timing is controlled buy the computer and sensors specifically the Throttle switch and coolant sensor on the t-fitting. Is there a sensor I missed? The thermo time sensor is working correctly as it starts evertime. I know the cold injector is working correctly as is the thermo time sensor as this part of the system works evertime. I cannot hear any sort of missing when it is ideling...but when I put a load on it as in driving the problems happen.

[ORFORD2004]

My 83 was also equiped with electronic ignition defore i change it with Ford edis. If you have a cap distributor and rotor, you need to set the timing to 10 degree with a timing light.

John

[terrylee9]

Wow John..Wo would know? I just figured with electronic ignition those days were over. I have to dig around and find my light. I so forgot how to do this. Guess it's time to pull the book out... It does feel like a retarded timing..and the headers glow a tad making me think it is running lean. For what it's worth..how do I set timing? I forget....

[narfire]

Under the dist cap is a 17 mm nut. Back that off but leave it with a bit of friction so when you turn the cap it won't vibrate about when you take your hand off it., a stubby wrench works best . Set up the timing light.The wire goes on the #4 plug lead. On the passenger side under the water pump you'll see a pointer with three points on it. I dab a bit of paint on the 10 deg point (3rd one down,not largest). On the crank pully there is a bit of a cut. I'll dab that as well.
Start the car and when the light shows the 10 deg point and cut are matched, tighten and good to go. Check the idle speed and adjust.

[terrylee9]

Narfar- In your experience does this still count with a 1982 fuel injected electronic ignition with no points and condensor? It sounds like eveyone is saying yes..but I am not sure. I will look for what you say but I have the distibuter and cap with the pointless system... Your response is actually getting me excited as I think this will fix it if it is indeed is adjustable....

[divace73]

If you car has the factory Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection, and it sound like it does the timing is independant and not contotrlled by the computer.
What is the 'AFS'?

Do the headers have provision for the O2 sensor, that should have been replaced as well.

Get it timed correctly and see how it performs (should make a world of difference), if you think it is still lean I would recommend having a professional check it with a wideband O2 sensor to be sure, and check your fuel pressure is within spec, otherwise if it is running lean you will damage your engine.

There is a theory if you to make it richer, you can losen the tension slightly of the door flap in the Air flow Meter.

[terrylee9]

Hey David!! Yes, my spider does have the Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection system. The 02 sensor was replaced also when I put the headers in. (Last month) Wow... Didn't know I had to set the timing. Hasn't been reset since I had the heads resurfaced 8 years ago or so by a shop. I'll work on it this week end and I trust I will have a glowing report!! Thanks guys!!
Terry

[narfire]

Narfar- In your experience does this still count with a 1982 fuel injected electronic ignition with no points and condensor?

Yeup. I have an 80, same set up.

I noticed you had replaced the wire from the dist to the coil..??? did you also set the gap between the mag pick up and the dist shaft lobes?

[terrylee9]

Thanks for noticing Narfar. Yup..got it. I had initially put it on upside down and boy that was so wrong. Coughed and sputtered. Put it on right and it ran excellant!! Now I am back to the timing... hmmm...

[terrylee9]

I think I will also go back and check that gap to make sure it is spot on....

[terrylee9]

[If you car has the factory Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection, and it sound like it does the timing is independant and not contotrlled by the computer.
What is the 'AFS'? I meant Air Flow Sensor or MAF or whatever the thingy magingy is called...

Do the headers have provision for the O2 sensor, that should have been replaced as well.

Get it timed correctly and see how it performs (should make a world of difference), if you think it is still lean I would recommend having a professional check it with a wideband O2 sensor to be sure, and check your fuel pressure is within spec, otherwise if it is running lean you will damage your engine.

There is a theory if you to make it richer, you can losen the tension slightly of the door flap in the Air flow Meter.[/quote]

[terrylee9]

You guys are such the Gear Heads!! I mean that in the highest regard!! My trusty Fiat is finally fixed. It was the timing like you all said...I lost my entire summer. My wife just yesterday stated; "Perhaps you should sell her since she is broken." Last thing I have to do is heat wrap this and that because of the headers.... any words of wisdom around that?? Terry

[divace73]

You guys are such the Gear Heads!! I mean that in the highest regard!! My trusty Fiat is finally fixed. It was the timing like you all said...I lost my entire summer. My wife just yesterday stated; "Perhaps you should sell her since she is broken." Last thing I have to do is heat wrap this and that because of the headers.... any words of wisdom around that?? Terry

I don't know at what stage it can be done, but if possible get your headers ceramic coated or at worst you can use that exhaust tape (but I have heard the tape shortens the life of the headers...I 've heard and not experienced so really don't know about that one??)