First, my engine runs fine. I just wanted to verify my timing to fine tune my PROM.

When I unhook my timing wire (single brown/black wire) to set the base timing on a EFI TPI setup, the engine dies. I have tried holding the idle up, adjusting the timing advance/retarded in small increments, etc. Every time I unplug the wire, the engine dies.

I'm been through some strange troublshooting but never this.

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance!



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SMasterson

 

For what its worth, I just had a similar problem. I had timed my car by jumping two terminals in the diagnostic link - somewhere in the GM manual I found those instructions. Then I found out about the connector on the passenger side firewall. I thought I had timed the car to 10BTDC. When I rechecked with the connector open I found that I was running 2 degrees retarded. After setting the timing back to 10BTDC everything was fine. Hope this helps.

 

My car does the same thing but only when my MSD igniton is hooked up. I called the MSD tech and I was told my car was probably running lean.

Have you tried disconnecting the wire first then starting the car?


[This message has been edited by MikeH (edited November 18, 2001).]

 

Well, that's strange but I do have MSD ignition so I'll try that. I was thinking maybe when you disconnect the connector it maybe puts the ECM in a limp timing or something and my custom PROMs were causing the problem but I tried a factory ARAP MEMCAL and still won't work.

I'll try the factory ignition since I'm using the adapter it will be simple.

Oh, also, when I run the stock ARAP chip I run stinking rich with my 30lb. injectors so running lean doesn't seem to apply.

Thanks!


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SMasterson

[This message has been edited by SMasterson (edited November 18, 2001).]

 

I dont think IM running lean either. Rich maybe..the car will run for a second then die with the MSD hooked up. you can smell the misfire weak spark IM guessing. I have the harness also it makes it pretty easy to remove and replace.

I have no clue why it does this the box seems to be working okay. The wierd thing is it starts up on the first bump of the starter with the Msd hooked up and the est wire disconnected. Then it will die as fast as it starts. But if i hook the est backup it takes a little to long IMO to start with or without the MSD hoooked up.

The only way I can set the intial timing is with the factory ignition... est wire disconnected.