Newbie 3fe has died

[surrycruiser]

'92 w/142K picked up about 4 months ago, few problems up to this point, nothing major.

Since purchasing I have done a bit of pm including fuel filter (not the sock yet), PCV, oil change, belts.

Yesterday after about a 15 mile drive it shut off while driving behind a tractor. Timing was perfect as I had the 2 kids (2 and 4) and the smelly black Lab in tow. Had to call the for a ride, she was thrilled to oblige.

The truck does give CEL with key in ON pos. It will crank but not start. I have so far checked the following...per suggestions found here on Mud.

Replaced EFI relay hoping for an easy fix. After this didn't fix the problem I checked and found fusible links are good as well as the relays at kick panel. Most vacuum lines seem farily new and have found no obvious leaks.

Tested resistance at igniter and get from .5-.6ohm which seems within spec.. Tested coil and found approx. 4.7ohm. I read that the spec is 10.2-13.8ohm. Could this be the culprit or should I keep digging?

I am no ace mechanic and even worse when it comes to electrical gremlins. Does anyone have suggestions before I go down the road of randomly replacing parts. If I do go that road it seems like the coil\igniter, FPR and fuel pulsation dampner would be a good place to start.

Much appreciation for any advice.

 

[Eicca]

Looks like replacing the coil might be a good place to start.

I'm not much help, but you get a bump

 

[Lka1988]

That coil sounds pooched. I'd try to find a used one before dropping coin on a new one...$$$$

 

[matt60/80]

What code is it throwing?

 

[jonheld]

Tested resistance at igniter and get from .5-.6ohm which seems within spec.. Tested coil and found approx. 4.7ohm. I read that the spec is 10.2-13.8ohm. Could this be the culprit or should I keep digging?

There is no test for the igniter in the FSM so I don't know where you're getting these numbers from. There are 2 tests for the coil, one for the primary and secondary. Have a look at my link below to help isolate the issue or at least test components according to the FSM.

If your CE light is on then all EFI circutry is working. The VERY first thing I would do is verify if you are getting spark. This could be a no fuel issue.

http://www.sdsysdesign.com/tlc/images/Strife/3FE EFI Diag.pdf

 

[surrycruiser]

My mistake. I should have specified primary coil resistance @ .5-.6ohm and secondary resistance @ 4.7ohm.

I haven't had a chance to check the codes yet, hope to do that tonight after a search for the correct procedure.

As far as checking for spark, is that as simple as pulling plug and check visually when turning ignition or is there another approach.

Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[jonheld]

Pleae recheck the secondary coil winding. The spec from the FSM is 10.2-13.8 K ohms. I don't know if you left out the all important "K" or it just read way low on the meter.

Please check again according to the FSM and post results.

 

[surrycruiser]

After a very long month of not being able to touch the TLC I have found CEL Code 14 and the posting earlier on the secondary coil is 4.7K ohm.

Can anyone offer suggestions or where to proceed?

 

[Lka1988]

Code 14 (according to the FAQ...have you read it?) is "Ignition signal". Pair that with the low resistance reading you got and you may have found your problem.

 

[surrycruiser]

I have searched, read and searched some more all over Mud. So far everything seems to be pointing to the coil (i think) but me being the newbie I am could be completely off base. I will do some calling around tomorrow and check on prices.

Thanks for everyone's help to get me to this point.

 

[surrycruiser]

I got a quote from CDan today and it wasn't too bad. Haven't placed the order yet but will likely do so tomorrow unless anyone can chime in and make some suggestions. I really hate ordering a $100 part not knowing if it is the cause of my problem. I guess this is the price you pay for being a complete noob

Something did come to mind however. I recall for a few days prior to it cutting off that it started idling high. Previously it was pretty steady at approx 800'ish rpm but then it started idling at approx 1200'ish.

Ideas? Suggestions? Anyone?