[bhill86]

Originally Posted by Schurkey

GROUND the distributor end of the coil wire, otherwise coil voltage goes sky-high and the coil windings (and their insulation) are in danger.


I just turn the fast idle cam to the fastest-idle step. The engine isn't even turning 200 rpm, it doesn't need the throttle wide-open to supply enough air.


Very important. Listen to the cranking speed--the last cylinder should be sounding just like the first cylinder.


I crank until the needle quits going up. Typically 5--6 pumps.

And don't forget to verify the accuracy of your compression tester now and then. If the gauge isn't accurate or repeatable, you need a new gauge.

Thanks for those tips although I actually got to mess with it sooner than anticipated so I didn’t apply any of what you said since I just now read it. Hopefully my coil is ok.

All 8 cyl were at least consistent at 150-160 psi after 3 full revolutions. Most were 150. One or two might have been in the high 140s. Battery and cranking seemed consistent.

All of the plugs looked about the same. I’ll add a picture of one for the heck of it but I’m not sure how much that’ll tell since the engine idled on these which, from my understanding, is contrary to when you’d typically read a plug.

[tom s]

You should be good with 91 forsure,dont think I would go under 89.Tom

[bhill86]

Really? You think that’s it? I’m kind of surprised it needs 89 or 91 with my SCR but if that’s the fix that’s easy enough.

[74Grandville]

have you checked your timing? i'm not an expert reading plugs, but it looks like the timing is indicating to far down the band.

[bhill86]

I wondered about that too but I did check the timing and I’m still at where I set it previously 14° initial, 10° vacuum which I confirmed the other night. I couldn’t check mechanical cause of noise and time of the evening but should be set up for an additional 20° In by about 3k based on my previous tests with this weight and spring setup.

[Ab69]

I would put the good stuff in and try that Hill in second gear again.

[Stumann]

I can't believe no one has mentioned a failed EGR valve. I was turning wrenches for a living in the 70's and 80's and a bad EGR valve was always the problem.

[74Grandville]

Originally Posted by Stumann

I can't believe no one has mentioned a failed EGR valve. I was turning wrenches for a living in the 70's and 80's and a bad EGR valve was always the problem.

good call out. i recently fixed my 1977 formula ping by replacing the EGR... part throttle it was really bad until EGR was replaced.

[steve25]

Hats off to Stumann even if that's not the fix!!

[Half-Inch Stud]

Check Total ADV for 34* in around 2400-2700 with Vac Adv hose off.

Recheck with throttle hits into the 3,000+ if you can.

Otherwise ya got Hot plugs or fuelishly lean, or.......low coolant level causing hot heads.


Clogged EGR per Stumann. Butt hay " i never had a Clogged EGR cause ping" ,except one of my former 95 Towncars pinged a bit, particularly while towing. I cleaned my recent EGRs and no sort pf ping on 87, so there we go.

[bhill86]

Thanks for the suggestions. I don’t have an EGR on my car. I did siphon off some gas and filled up a little over half a tank with 93. That seems to have helped if not cured it. Haven’t had much chance to drive it though so we’ll see.

[grandam1979]

If the better gas helped put a can be octane boost in it.