Is it my mechanic?

There is more than one type of TFI. The TCs use the grey modules (push-start type) while the newer generation TFI modules were black in color.

Connector wise, they interchange. However, they cannot be interchanged without issues. If you was given a black TFI module, the dwell will never change.

Could it be the VAM electrically disconnected? Other than the noise, it sounds like limp home mode.

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-asi

1986 TC, 132k pretty well taken care of miles. k&n, gillis@16, timing @ 12 (spout out), A/C delete. 3" Downpipe (no other exhaust... Whoever described that sound as a "pissed off tractor" hit the nail on the head)

[email pics to asimov at forced-induction org for sales/id/showoff purposes (free hosting)]

Well, after some tense waiting I got the TC back on Wednesday in working order. The rattle was gone -- and overall it seems to be running better than ever. However, we have had almost continuous rain since late May so I won't get it out for a proper road test any time soon.

The culprit? The shop says it was the TFI. They said the first one they put in was bad, and a subsequent TFI they replaced it with eliminated all problems.

Personally I think the mechanic who worked on the car (not the main guy I like, but one of his subordinates) did a 'let's get this out of here quickly' kind of job.. swapped in the TFi without checking anything else, didn't even road test it, and parked it assuming it was fine. The 'bad TFI' story might be a cover.

Regardless, I'm just glad to have it home and working again. Obviously the TFI was the original problem. Thanks again for all the help on that one!

As long as you didn't get charged any more, why sweat it? Any part can be bad right out of the box. Therefore, the term, OBF, out of box failure. It is a common term in the electronics industry.

Hawk