rpikle, this thread's for YOU!!

[zoe60]

Feedback carburetor systems are pretty complicated to say the least. I've been trying to get my '89 to run right for about two years now. The Haynes manual doesn't even try to explain them. Just gives a list of 14 different sensors, solenoids, etc. and then "says go to the dealer". That would be way too expensive, plus they would probably laugh at something so old, plus I am the do it yourselfer from hell and I'd feel bad letting someone else figure it out. I'm an engineer at a T.V. station so I know electronics and I'm a pretty good mechanic but this thing keeps kicking my butt. I like a challenge. I would sure like to find a guide to troubleshooting these things but I've never had any luck finding one. There does need to be a sticky with things that people know for sure- not just guesses. I've been looking at this web sight for a long time and I see the same symptoms but nobody can find a cure. Right now mine runs pretty well but misses at cruising speed. Well, good luck with your cars, and I hope we can get organized.

(edited for language)

[FestYboy]

It looks like Festyboy crapped out on us after all that big talk.

oh I'm sooo sorry that i happen to have a life outside this forum.... life happens, and in my case, it takes precident over everything else. I've been mulling this over in my head, but it's hard to diagnos a car that's a state or more away... feedback carbs are a PITA to diag to begin with. i'm working with the factory manual but i'm missing the elec and vac diag book. i haven't been able to find it anywhere and i want it badly.

Tom, in your case, it really sounds like an intermitant connection problem in the harness, but i can't say that for sure as i'm not there to test and have the car repeat the problem. and even though you've given me alot of info, (this is nothing against you) i can't be sure that there isn't something you're not telling me, like something you're doing but not aware of enough to think of it as important.... see where i'm going with this??

Rick, your situation is being treated as a totaly different and new problem, and it should be as your car doesn't idle at all. also you've had your carb in and out many times, i can't help but wonder if there's something you're missing when you install it OR when you removed it the first time, something was undone or damaged (like harness connections) that you didn't notice or can't see.

honestly, i'm on this thread atleast once a day reviewing all the info you both gave me looking for anything i may have missed, and reading any updates you have. i do appologise for my silence as of late, but i have nothing positive to contribute as of yet. when i do, it'll be posted here as soon as i can get to a 'puter.

[Safety Guy]

Well I wish you guys good luck.

Festyboy, I may have the manual you want. I'll have to recheck the title. I think it's the elec/vac manual for the carbed versions.

Rick, if there's anything else you need that I might be able to help with, just ask.

Karl

[FestYboy]

i found one last night on eBay, but thanks for the offer Karl....

[Tom]

I quess I'm the bad guy here because I said something. The "click" has spoken. It must be nice having plenty of wealth and lots of cars so that if one needs fixing you can buy all the tools you need and take your time fixing it because you have several other cars to drive in the meantime.

[FestYboy]

I quess I'm the bad guy here because I said something. The "click" has spoken. It must be nice having plenty of wealth and lots of cars so that if one needs fixing you can buy all the tools you need and take your time fixing it because you have several other cars to drive in the meantime.

huh? :? i just said what i said because of the "big talk" comment. did i offend you in some way to warent this remark?? i'm not about to start a flame because that's not what this thread is about and i'm not that kind of person....

now please, back to the task at hand, yes?

btw i have NO wealth whatsoever, so please don't assume, you know what that does.... :roll:

[Tom]

Sorry about that, I wasn't refering to you festyboy.

[rpickle]

Thanks SafetyGuy. I hope to have her runnin' so I can get your fuel pump back to you.

Reassembled carb today. Will install in the next couple of days.

Rick

[Safety Guy]

No hurry Rick. I'm glad you're keeping on task with your baby!

For the record (ahem), I have three cars. One runs. One should be running soon, but I've been saying that for a few months now. The last one will need LOTS of work to convert to FI. Or turn into a trailer...

No, I ain't rich. It's taken me a long time to get a house with a garage and all my tools. Now I'm collecting knowledge.

The good thing is I have no car payment. The car companies don't make anything close to what I want so why give them money?

Some of the folks here only own one car--a Festiva or Aspire. Others own several of these, and maybe some other types. Some have the money to own whatever they want and choose to have one of ours.

We all need to stick together here and not complain. Festyboy is doing what he can to help out! But nothing's perfect and some things will take time.

Karl

[Tom]

I've got an FI manifold set up that I would sell. It was taken off from a perfect running 89 that an oil line broke on and the bottom went out on, the top was perfect, I should have gotten the head too. But it's the electronics you need and I longer have that car.

[FestYboy]

Karl, might i suggest you try Meggasquirt, i have a sneeking suspicion that there's power and economy yet to be found with our little motors and it's not hard to wire up. and the big plus, IT'S CHEAP!! and uses very readily available GM parts (sensors) and they're cheap too.

[Safety Guy]

You mean for me to use a Megasquirt system to power Muttstiva when I install the 70K FI B3 from Twinstiva?

I assume this may be easier and provide a bit more performance than wrangling with the entire car harness swap.

Here's the link to Megasquirt. I'll read the GRM article:

http://www.megasquirt.info/

Post any more info if you can.

Karl

[rpickle]

Installed carb again. What a surprise, still acting the same. Great.....

[FestYboy]

i'm sorry to hear that.... really, but atleast we can safely figure it not being a mechanical problem from here out.

[rpickle]

Ok Arty, where do I go from here? I'm to the point where an hour with my 12lb sledge would do wonders..... My wife is at me again to get rid of it. Can't let myself do that. I told her that I may have it fixed by the time my 14 year old is ready to drive! The look I got was to die for... I guess she has other plans for his first car.

I wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your time and help, as well as everyone else here that is contributing. I have never been whipped by something, like I am with this car. It is humbling, to say the least.

Point me in a direction and I'll start down that route.

Thanks again.

Rick