Silver Back's Surgery

[Pat]

As I stated in other threads Silverback has been a little sick lately.

Seems to go flat when you press the go pedal.

So far I've changed the plugs, fuel pump, fuel rail pressure sensor, had the injectors and fuel rail cleaned, fuel pressure checked, fuel filter changed, cleaned the MAF, Air cleaner and had the CATs flow tested.

Tech's are busy with their scapels and looking in the COP's area now.
This car will be fixed no matter what.

I should know more tomorrow.

Pat

[TiTo35]

Pull thru Silverback...

[in2deep]

What is your setup?
What are the symptoms?

[DOOM]

Keep us posted. Hope its nothing serious.

[rayjay]

Keep your chin up Pat, she'll be back, good as ever!

[Vortex]

Get that son of yours on it Pat!

[Pat]

Jim;

Jason has gone on into the active National Guard and is stationed in Alexandria. La.

He did change the fuel pump for me before he left, that was a biggie.

After a day of troubleshooting, testing, cleaning out the fuel rails and injectors the car is still kaput.

I think the techs are going to turn a corner and look at the ignition subsystem.

There still remains the Fuel Pump Driver Module, but things don't point to that device.

The pump, with 12 Volts (hot wired), puts out 90 lbs of pressure. With the FPDM in line the pump is putting out 45 lbs of pressure which is good.

During the road test the tech, who has trained ears, is sure he hears a misfire. Hence, the change in direction to the ignition area.

I shudder to think what the bill will eventually be, but the car has severely diminished value until it's fixed.

Pat

[Pat]

Well there's good news to report. It seems Silverback had developed multiplecoptusfailureitis over the last few months or so.

However, there was only one COP available either at the dealerships or FLAPS. But I ordered all eight, Borg-Warner @ 40.00 each from Advance auto parts. Should be in tomorrow.

The repair shop, "CARS ETC" in Bossier City, purchased the one and used it for troubleshooting.

After I install the new COPs and test the car I'll report back.

I'm fortunate to find this shop which specializes in performance cars. I was referred by a mech at the Sheriff's maintenance barn where we gas/service the Posse cars.

They have been in business for a little less than two years. I drive by their shop at least once a month and never noticed it. It used to be quick oil change business and they kept the same paint scheme.

The owner drives a highly modified Dodge P/U with scoops, Blooey pipes and is willing to share his experience. Several of the Mech's drive S/C'd 5.0's and Pontiac or Camero big block drag cars.

Regards,

[jdenning002]

how'd they figure that out?

[justbob]

Good to hear Pat, keep us informed.

[jdenning002]

I just replaced all 8 of mine, I am finally back in action...

I wish there was an indicator or a way to test for bad coils....

Anyway, let us know when they are done with your car.

[MM_BKK]

There still remains the Fuel Pump Driver Module, but things don't point to that device.

The pump, with 12 Volts (hot wired), puts out 90 lbs of pressure. With the FPDM in line the pump is putting out 45 lbs of pressure which is good.

During the road test the tech, who has trained ears, is sure he hears a misfire. Hence, the change in direction to the ignition area.


Static pressure test is ok but real world pressure reading while the engine is running is much more accurate, either from the fuel rail or datalogging through diagnostic port are preferred.

I'm actually leaning towards clogged exhaust being your problem.
I know you had them tested but I would get a second opinion.
Do you still have all 4 cats or just 2?

[jdenning002]

I replaced my COPS and I thought my car was cured, but now I realize that my issues are a bit intermittent.... The car seemed fine, but now it is back to running a little rough...

I think I have a slight header gasket leak, and I know my stock mufflers are ragged out, no holes but loud. I also cut out all the cats...

Any guesses???

[Pat]

Gentlemen;

To answer some of your questions.

I have all four cats.

The fuel pressure was taken by several instruments, a scan tool, and gauges hooked up to the schrader valve on the fuel lines. A lot of time and effort was put into reading the pressure for some reason. But in the end the techs were satisfied the fuel system was working properly.

The pump was previously changed the week prior as was the fuel filter. At the shop they took off the fuel rails and injectors and cleaned each item with chemical cleansers.

The techs also eliminated the CATs as being a problem through their experience.

The dealerships locally were contacted to see if COPs could be tested but none had the test equipment needed.

So a new substitute COP was purchased and "slaved" in to note if performance improved. In two of the three cylinders where the good COP was installed a big improvement was noted. On one cylinder no improvement which means that one had a good COP.

The shop felt that any further testing the remaining five cylinders for bad cops would only put miles on my car, and drive up billable hours, because there weren't any replacement COPs available locally. I agreed and said that I intended to replace all eight COPs anyway.

The COPs are presently back ordered and should be here in a day or two (the weekend kind of got in the way).

I should have the new COPs on by Tuesday at the latest. It's been constant rain and thunderstorms here.

Regards,

Pat

[jdenning002]

I really hope that is it, it seems like it should be.

I just replaced all 8 of mine.... Still have issues...

Any other ideas on my car? If you have seen my posts...

[1stMerc]

^^^^I take it you already checked/changed plugs. Are you running stock or granatelli cop to plug connectors. When you say rough is it rough idle or at what range? You said intermittent, under what conditions does it act up? Any valve noise?

[jdenning002]

New plugs, I have replaced the COPS w/ visteon aftermarket coils, oem equivalent.

The car idles just a bit wierd, like a hint of a miss...

Seems to bog down through the mid-range and doesn't really run well until on the hwy, at WOT it seems fine, 10 PSI of boost.

When I am crusing on the hwy and take my foot off of the gas the idle surges up and down and fuel pressure pegs and drops and pegs and drops...

I am not expert enough to notice valve noise, I do hear what sounds like a leak in the header gasket, I am going to have them replaced this week. I have the kooks long tubes and I have had leaks before...

[Pat]

jdenning002;

I would advise you to start a new thread concerning your car. That way the collective can apply it's expertise in addressing your specific problems.

Thanks for your input here but any visitors would be looking at Pat's car, you need to have folks look at solving the problems of your car. Good luck, I'll be looking for it, I have some input.

Regards,

[jdenning002]

Will do. Thanks and good luck with ytour car, sorry for getting in the way of your post here. Let me know what your thoughts are on my car.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=790623#post79 0623

[1stMerc]

Sorry Pat, how's Pat? Tell her i said hello.

Good luck with the cop replacement.

[Pat]

SILVERBACK IS FIXED AND RUNNING LIKE IT SHOULD

Changing out all eight COPs did the trick. Thanks to all who helped me through this ordeal that was consuming my time and energy.

The major lesson I learned is that some dealerships do not have the proper test equipment and as a result can lead you down the wrong path.

Regards to all,

Pat