QuestionI'm a tech of 34 years so I do know a lot about cars; but not everything. I am having an intermittent problem and the vehicle doesn't show any codes which isn't very helpful in diagnosing this problem.
I have a 1986 Chrysler New Yorker with a 2.2L engine with Multi Port Fuel Injection and a Turbo.
1. One problem is when I start it up, it sometime cranks over hard like the timing is off; and sometimes it cranks over smoothly; but usually it cracks over hard. I set the cog gears as stated per the factory manual. The battery voltage is up and good, alternator is working also. No vacuum leaks or wiring disconnected anywhere.
2. Once it starts up, it will run smooth for about a minute or so and then sputters and dies and sometimes it just dies without sputtering. It will start back up again numerous times but keeps dying. Sometimes it will dies immediately and other times it takes awhile.
I also put a new fuel pump in it, Logic Module and Power Module. Nothing wrong with the plugs, wires capo and rotor.
The engine ran great other then lack of power at take off on an off. Meaning sometimes when I would accelerate it did fine and other times sluggish. I also checked the exhaust to make sure the cat wasn't plugged.
I don't get any fault codes and am curious if the problem might be the Hall Effect Pickup Assembly causing this problem. I even replaced that 20,000 miles ago when I rebuilt the engine; but it's an after market Pick Up Assembly made by Standard and in the past I have had a lot of bad parts new from Standard.
Can it be the Hall Effect Pickup Assembly that is causing this problem without throwing up any fault codes?
AnswerHi Robert,
If the hall-effect sensor is dying it usually does so when it warms up, and that doesn't seem to be the case here. I am thinking mixture as the issue. How about checking the egr to make sure that it is closed tightly at idle, not slightly ajar? That can definitely make for hard starting and rough idle. Try lubing the stem with WD-40.
Also the MAP sensor might be going bad, or its long vacuum tube to the throttle body might be cracked or loose fitting. I would check the tube for sure. I have had a MAP sensor go inaccurate without setting a code so that the mixture was way too lean. I haven't experienced that sort of failure without a code in the case of the hall-effect sensor, so that is a possibility
The cranking variability could be the starter motor, the battery, or the wiring, so verify the wiring first, then consider jumping around the relay, and then the solenoid, and then you may be able to conclude which is the issue.
Please let me know if any of these help, and if not what does. I am an amateur compared to you!
Roland
