1987 cabby isn't doing too well...

neverknowsbest04 · Post by **neverknowsbest04** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:08 pm

yesterday morning I was driving to work in my cabby all went well she ran like a champ... several hours later when i was leaving work she took a turn for the worse.when I started the car all seemed well. upon putting the car into reverse I fell into a bit of a problem... as I attempted to give it a little gas the engine seem to not have the go. so I proceeded to place the car in first gear and begin my trip home. as I sat in the parking lot waiting my turn to get out onto the road the car's idle dropped to somewhere between 4-600 rpm and kinda sat like that so I backed into a parking spot and let it run for a minute and see if it was something that would pass. it didn't so I drove home. on the drive home going down the 20 miles or so of highway i had to travel I found my engine to be hitting a flat spot in revs in 4th it would allow for about 4000 rpm which is I guess enough for passing and in 5th it was straddling 3500 for the most part but it would occasionally fluxuate and climb to 4000. this morning upon leaving my home to begin the trip to work and it was doing it againso I turned back around to cease any further damage that may already be done to my motor. also I noticed a few days back that there was a noise coming from around the fuel distribution block which was kinda a buzzing noise I guess you could call it. any help or suggestions are much appreciated. -Paul

CalAltaDubber · Post by **CalAltaDubber** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 2:41 pm

Hello Paul,

First welcome to TRF.

Also being the owner of an '87 I think I might be able to get you started (I'm an electronics guy).

The humming sound you mentioned is normal, mine has done it since new.

Next since the problem just cropped up, I would suggest starting at something simple, this will provide some more data if it is not the fix.

I'd start by making sure that the ignition wires are all securly attached to the Distributer cap and plugs.

Failing any change, look at the distributer cap and rotor. They are generally cheap and easy to replace. The tip of the rotor (where it contacts the points inside the cap) should be smooth. If it is rough and there are signs of arcing, replace them both with new ones.

If the problem still exists, I would suggest looking at the spark plugs. replace if necessary. Finally the wires themselves.

I hope this helps.

neverknowsbest04 · Post by **neverknowsbest04** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 3:34 pm

I highly doubt the problem at hand is an electrical problem... within the past month I have replaced most of the key parts in the ignition system while in the midst of doing a regular tune up. also within a period of the past few months the coil was replaced due to wear and tear.

Post by **Briano1234** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 3:58 pm

Your problem could very well be fuel flo limiting due to either a weak primary pump or a bad transfer pump. I would replace the in-tank pump and see if that dosen't clear up your problems. Also a plugged exhaust system can cause similar things.....I had a car that would idle great but at highway it would get about 40 mhp.....bad muffler...in your case it could either be the cat or the muffler.

dubchickshubby · Post by **dubchickshubby** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 9:20 pm

It really does sound like a distributor related problem. Not sure where you're located, but if it's east coast you've been wet! Try a quick shot of WD40 on the cap to displace the moisture.

Have you looked at the engine compartment in the dark while running?

Fuel pressure is a good direction to go as well. The regulator is the small box mounted next to the distributor.

neverknowsbest04 · Post by **neverknowsbest04** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 9:31 pm

I will look into all of these possibilities... thank you all... and thank god for having a parts car...

thingmon · Post by **thingmon** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 11:12 pm

mmm, kinda late, didn't realize the date on this was so old... oh well maybe someone can benefit...

******

I just had to get my injectors & seaks replaced on my '87 for similar symptoms.

Idled ok, ran lousey to ~3000 rpm then smoothed abit (backfired though).

The seals (gaskets?) on them were cracked and the spray pattern was lousey. To check the seals, spray some WD40 around them, if it runs better, this may be the problem. To check the spray pattern, you have to pull the injectors. Should be a nice cone shape.

I hosed the engine down for a show and washed away the crap that was helping keep the air out! No new wheels this month...