North American Turbocoupe Organization



Is it my mechanic?
unclefalter Offline
Member
#1
Okay so today I got the Tbird towed off to my usual mechanic. A few hours later I was told it was the TFI module, which they replaced. Got there, paid, started it up... augh! It sounds like a sewing machine. The engine's making a rattling noise.

The mechanic explains that 'it was like that when it got here -- it's probably a valve sticking'. It was definately NOT doing that before.

Then I try to drive it. It stalls. He comes for a test drive, and we barely make it back to shop. He's revving high just trying to keep it from quitting, the whole thing is jerking and it just feels wrong.

I'm leaving it there another night to give him a chance to correct it. I just know he's going to come back to me and say it's some other thing, and that *that* blew up the TFI module, and therefore it'll cost me $$$ more.

Is there any way they could have, in the process of fixing the TFI, done something that made that noise appear? And is it possible to have the wrong TFI (ie. is the TFI in our cars Turbocoupe specific?)? Or is something else going on here.. as he said, part of a wider problem of which the TFI was just one casualty?

I'm feeling very dejected about this.. the car has never been a lick of trouble, now it's like shades of my dad's on TC years ago. I might just cut my losses and send it to the actual Ford dealer in town.. I think the TFI module might be some cheap offshore thing.. Who knows.. any thoughts?
88 TC 5spd - Black/Raven
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#2
It sounds like maybe they got a spark plug wire crossed to the wrong plugs??

If they pulled the dist to change the tFI. maybe they got it in a toth off. Some people pull it out, others have changed them leaving the sidt in place
Pete Dunham


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unclefalter Offline
Member
#3
Hey Pete..

So you think the driveability problem, and the noise I'm hearing could be something simple like that?

I don't know what I'm talking about with mechanical stuff but from what I've read, valves don't just start sticking one day when they were working fine before.. might be drawing the wrong conclusion there though..
88 TC 5spd - Black/Raven
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ILoveMyTC Offline
Senior Member
#4
It is possible that he accidently turned the distributor and messed up the ignition timing while replacing the TFI. That could cause the symptoms you describe.

[This message has been edited by ILoveMyTC (edited 07-04-2005).]
Nick Johnson
88'TC
97'LX
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unclefalter Offline
Member
#5
Yeah. Well hopefully I can get him to back down from the valve-sticking theory and check that out.

And maybe one of these days I should probably learn how to fix this stuff myself. I did trace the problem to the TFI but was too chicken to take apart the distributor!
88 TC 5spd - Black/Raven
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charles88tc Offline
Senior Member
#6
sounds like most of the mechanics and dealer service techs Ive ever talked to. the dont know jack. I personally know a guy who was a service tech at a dodge dealership, and couldnt figure out how to bleed the brakes on his mororcycle. Me never working on a motorcycle, went over and in minutes had the thing bled, and all the tools and mess cleaned up while he was tending to something
in his house. My advice would be to go buy yourself some tools, stay posting here and learn for yourself about your car. That way, like me you'll learn something everytime you pop the hood. My father was a racing mechanic ever since I can remember. They had 8 out of 10 late model championships in 10 years, and won 10 out of 10 weeks in a sprint car. When it comes to my tc he scratches his head. Hes good for a few things tho (like timing assembly ,disassembly,) but when it comes to the whole efi turbo set up thats new to him. My point is I have had no luck with any mechasnic who has looked at my car, and with patience I will learn all I need to know, without paying a mechanic 65$ dollars an hour. It may take more time that way, but anytime If i have that same problem. I will know from experience, what it is and how to fix it. Good luck with your mechanic!
88 tc 5sp, Gillis, K&N on vam, Redneck cat back exaust (nothing from the cat back) 220,000 mile short block. Rebuilt 86 head and cam.
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#7
Quote:So you think the driveability problem, and the noise I'm hearing could be something simple like that?

It could be from what you described and for the type of work he performed. We can't say for sure but.............

Quote:And maybe one of these days I should probably learn how to fix this stuff myself. I did trace the problem to the TFI but was too chicken to take apart the distributor!

We can teach you that stuff easier than we can teach Brian to type [Image: biggrin.gif]
Pete Dunham


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Matt S Offline
Posting Freak
#8
My $.02 on mechanics is that if you ever question your mechanic or his/her ethic then it's time to find a new one.
IMHO a good mechanic tells you everything they know about your car, doesn't come up with new problems to replace the old ones (to cover the boat/beer payments), and does not have you worrying if you might be getting screwed. Good mechanics know you are more likely to part with your money if you feel comfortable with the diagnosis. They also itemize noises that existed on arrival before you leave.

From the very short description here I would not visit your mechanic but I do not have the history you do with them.
Sold it Sad*
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EricCoolCats Offline
Member
#9
Maybe he left the SPOUT connector off...? It does sound related to timing.
Eric - COOL CATS
The 1983-88 Mercury Cougar
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unclefalter Offline
Member
#10
Apparently they are going to try a different TFI module. Does that make sense? I didn't know there was more than one type for that engine..

Hopefully it's something simple like that.

I will probably revert to the local Ford dealer in the future. They're usually pretty good and I found out because of my working relationship with them I get a bit of a discount on labour.
88 TC 5spd - Black/Raven
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