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2 of 4 Cylinders stop running on 92 SS

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:25 pm
by SoobDeJour
I am picking up this 92 SS next week.

http://provo.craigslist.org/car/421612803.html

Car has a couple issues. I've used the search function but didn't come out with too much info.

Owner says,
"Car runs, it does have an issue with the ECM (Computer) that stops 2 of the 4 cylinders from sparking sometimes, but fixes with pulling the spark plug off."

Apparently within a 1 hour drive the car will undergo these symptoms 3-4 times. Owner claims as said above that when you pull the plug wire and re-connect car starts sparking again and continues to run strong as if nothing is wrong.

Recent Maintenance

Transmission has been rebuilt, along with the turbo and all vacume lines.
Also have a new coil pack, wires and plugs, also new igniter and new tires.

I'll be looking at the plugs, wires and related components but is this possibly a common problem?
A point in the right direction is much appreciated.

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:50 pm
by BSOD2600
When my car was diagnosed that only 2 of the cylinders were getting spark from the ECM, it turned out my timing belt had jumped as was subsequently off.
One dumb mechanic shop thought it was the ECM that died or the main wiring harness that was bad... ya full of crap. Had it towed to another shop and they immediately diagnosed it as the timing belt. $700 later, after a full timing belt kit and labor, I was up and running again.

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2007 5:44 am
by Bheinen74
same here on my 92 SS when i bought it. Timing was off, and just wouldnt run smooth, etc. check your timing marks or have them checked by someone who knows how to.
BSOD2600 wrote:When my car was diagnosed that only 2 of the cylinders were getting spark from the ECM, it turned out my timing belt had jumped as was subsequently off.
One dumb mechanic shop thought it was the ECM that died or the main wiring harness that was bad... ya full of crap. Had it towed to another shop and they immediately diagnosed it as the timing belt. $700 later, after a full timing belt kit and labor, I was up and running again.

Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 7:23 pm
by SoobDeJour
Thanks for the quick responses guys.
Hopefully I'll be picking up the car tomorrow, if not then sometime later this week.

I've done timing belts and related maintenance on a a couple other cars so I'm not intimated with getting in there and fixing it.

I'll search for a "Timing" procedure unless someone has a link readily handy.

Thanks again and hopefully my first Turbo Legacy will be as much fun as I anticipated.