Engine cuts out

[structured]

The only way to be sure whether or not the balancer is working properly is to remove it and inspect it. Search for "m20 misfire please help". There were a lot of people with the same problems. See if it sounds like what you are experiencing.

[CoClimber]

structured, I was afraid of that. I just picked up a relay and a grounding strap. I'm going to swap the main relay and double up the strap below the AFM. If that doesn't do it, I'll pull the balancer.

[e30rapidic]

swap/change relays under the little plastic cover, by the AFM.

[structured]

structured, I was afraid of that. I just picked up a relay and a grounding strap. I'm going to swap the main relay and double up the strap below the AFM. If that doesn't do it, I'll pull the balancer.

If you can't shake it by hand, i'd say only pull it after you've checked everything else. The best way to do it is to remove the radiator and all of the belts. I think you also have to remove the distributor cap and water pump pulley. And by the way, did you check your cap and rotor?

[CoClimber]

structured, the cap, rotor, wires, plugs, and coil were replaced before I got the car. Let's talk about assumptions for a moment. Last night I carefully inspected the "new" coil. It had been dropped and there is a hairline crack in the top!!! I will replace it and report back.

Doug

[structured]

I have an extra coil. It's used but I've tested it and it works.

[CoClimber]

I was going to run over to Autozone at lunch and grab one. If this is the problem, I will be annoyed at myself for not checking earlier. I suppose that's not true. I would be thrilled to get this car running. Of course, it's too late to race it this season.

[structured]

Go to the auto parts store by home depot on rt 13, it's way better than autozone. I think it is a napa or an advanced auto parts.

[CoClimber]

Okay, nobody has one around here. How much would you want for yours? You can email me at eflight2000 (dot) yahoo.com

Doug

[quikveedb2]

I'm having a similar issue with my '87 m20b25, i.e. the car randomly cutting out, but restarting without drama, and the tach not reading anything. I've replaced my coil to fix another problem so it's brand new, and I don't think the issue is there.

[CoClimber]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's an electrical issue. Relay, ground, etc.

[e30:)]

if your coil is cracked then i would say thats your problem hopefully

[CoClimber]

SUCCESS (sort of)

FedEx dropped off a box today containing a coil and a main relay. It runs! Very cool to have a car that will break traction in second by stepping on the throttle (okay, I have a gravel driveway). Despite a glaring lack of plates, I took it down the highway a few hundred yards. Pulled over in a driveway to turn around and the engine stalled and wouldn't start. Acts like a fuel problem - like it's out of gas although the gauge reads almost full.

Anyway, I'll have a look at this problem but I think the first problem is gone. Too bad the race season is over.:(

[CoClimber]

Just checked - no fuel pressure. It's cold and dark out and I have a cold so this will wait till tomorrow. I'm excited - I think I'm just about there.