1989randyboy Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 Is there a way to test the coil pack on my 89 Reatta? Troubleshooting occasional backfire when cold start. Also seems flooded a little when cold start, it clears up after a few seconds. Poor mileage (18-19 mpg) Any other suggestions on what to check and testing processes are welcome! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Magoo Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 (edited) The ignition module is pretty much like a light bulb in that it works or it doesn't. There are exceptions, of course, but when it works, the car runs, When it doesn't, the car won't run at all. Not likely to cause a cold driveability problem, though it's possible. To test the coil pack, you will need an HEI spark tester, available from most any auto parts store or tool truck. It looks like a spark plug with an alligator clip welded to the case and contains a calibrated spark gap. Hook it to all six spark terminals in turn, start the engine, and watch the spark for regularity. Typically, a bad coil pack will drop in and out on one or more cylinders. This holds for both Type 1 (one coil pack for 6 cylinders) and Type 2 (three coil packs for 6 cylinders) setups. Also check the plug wires very carefully. Usually, they fail at the spark plug end inside the boot -- will appear burned and blackened inside. When a plug wire fails, the open secondary circuit usually damages the coil pack in a very short time. Edited May 18, 2015 by Magoo (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCHinson Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 1989randyboy, Welcome to the AACA Discussion Forum. I have moved your question to the Reatta Forum. You will find some folks here who are experts on answering your Reatta related questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rp1967 Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 Sounds like leaking injector or injectors.Remove the nuts that hold the fuel rail down and CAREFULLY pry the injectors loose from their holes in the intake and block the rail up high enough that you can see the nozzle of all injectors.Pressure the system by turning the key to run and watch for leaks at the nozzles , they should remain dry with no injectors pulse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 If it clears as it warms up it is unlikely to be ignition. I'd check the actual coolant temperature reading and the fuel pressure in the rail first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1989randyboy Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share Posted May 20, 2015 Thanks for the suggestions! I will check these out when I get a chance. Have a few bugs that need fixing. Fun car! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Flyer1 Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 We have the 3800 in commodores over here,my daughter had a similar problem,ended up being the fuel pressureregulator that is vacuum modulated that had a busted diaphragm, which would allow fuel to "bleed" off up the tube intothe plenum and cause a bit of "flooding" and other issues....just a suggestion . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1989randyboy Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 Thanks, There's always a mystery to explore on any car. Just takes time to go thru them all! I realize there could be several issues going on here. Our Babies are getting older, (like me!) lol! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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