EA won't rev, no power, HELP!

[AshMan]

Gday,

I have been a pround owner of several EA falcons, this one being a 1990 EA Falcon S.

Has the 4 Speed auto and MPFI.

The car starts easy, and idles perfectly, but has a distinct lack of power and will not rev out over 4000 rpm. This is in any gear, even in park or neutral.

Becuase of this, of course, sometimes the auto won't change up because the engine won't rev high enough to initiate the change.

I have replaced the plugs, MAP sensor, TP sensor, EGO sensor, fuel pump and fuel filter.

None seemed to make any difference.

I know that the 6's aren't the best on fuel, but I think maybe I should be getting more than 350km to a tank?

I had the car dynoed because I was interested in if it was as really as gutless as I thought.

My suspicions were confirmed, 82horse power!

I am running out of ideas.

Another thing that is probably worth mentioning is that, you know the little connector next to the battery that is to be grounded to set the base timing? well that does nothing. And it's not just the idle control motor, becase it doesn't even lock the timing in!

I'm thinking maybe a computer or electrical problem?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Ash.

[AshMan]

I also checked all the plugs are connected and that the throttle was indeed opening fully.

[NZ]

ignore that.

[NZ]

To do self test mode you need to ground the wire before you start the car.

[MacGyver]

Sounds like the computer is stuck in test mode. I did this on my EF. Had me stumped for a few days as to why the car was running like crap. Not sure of what is the correct way of putting EA's through diagnostics, but maybe someone has forgotten to unplug a connector (like me) or the wire has rubbed through and is grounding out.

cheers
Scott

[InitialD]

When my car Did that, it was because the Cat had collapsed.

[niko]

yep i thin initd is on the money, ive driven a car with a fkd cat and it went absaloutely NO WHERE LoL

[NZ]

thats a very valid point mick. I need that stacker and headunit and especially the cable so i can have rear speakers!

[d_slayer]

Have you tryed the fuel regulator

[edfairmint]

ey i had similar prob to you and initialD bout same time as initial my cat was rooted. Cept got so blocked so quick in the end wouldnt start at all but was like yours at the start. Rip the cat back off see if it revs higher than what its stuck on

[MADED-6]

yeah id think this was the cat it happened to a car at work if u take the catback off it shouldnt be any louder than with it on if it is the cat coz thats wat happened to this one.

[AshMan]

The diagnostic connector does nothing, even when the wire is grounded before I start the car.

I know for a fact that the fuel pressure is as it should be, I have one of those pressure dealies that you check cylinder compression with, it also checks vacuum and fuel pressure.

On saturday I will pull the catback off and see if that makes a difference.

Failing that, I might head down to the wreckers and see if they will let me chuck a different ECU to see if that fixes the problem.

Thanks heaps for the helpful replies, I will post on saturday to update how its all gone.

Cheers

Ash

[luke]

Originally Posted by InitialD

When my car Did that, it was because the Cat had collapsed.

My cat's completely rooted, to the point where it is hollow... and I haven't noticed any performance decrease whatsoever... Still goes as hard as it ever went.

[INJECTED_250]

Originally Posted by AshMan

On saturday I will pull the catback off and see if that makes a difference.


Ash

u need to pull the cat of at the engine manifold, not just after the cat.... pulling the cat back of wont makea differnce

[AshMan]

Originally Posted by luke

My cat's completely rooted, to the point where it is hollow... and I haven't noticed any performance decrease whatsoever... Still goes as hard as it ever went.

If the cat is hollow, then its not going to be restrictive is it?

By collapsed they mean it has crumbled, creating a blockage like a blood clot.

I just thought about that one, I will unbolt the exhaust manifold and see if she'll rev.

Might be time for some wildcats and a hiflow if the cat is the problem.

[ten[A]cio[U]s]

Have a look at the Torque Converter. That gave me trouble in my old 3 speed in my NA Fairlane.
Its not common but it still can be an issue, just something to have checked.

[luke]

Originally Posted by AshMan

If the cat is hollow, then its not going to be restrictive is it?

By collapsed they mean it has crumbled, creating a blockage like a blood clot.

I just thought about that one, I will unbolt the exhaust manifold and see if she'll rev.

Might be time for some wildcats and a hiflow if the cat is the problem.

lol please ignore my lack of thinking before i post :

[AshMan]

Originally Posted by luke

lol please ignore my lack of thinking before i post :

its okay mate, I didn't mean the reply to sound so "know it all" ish.
Stupid TAFE.

Originally Posted by crazy-au

Have a look at the Torque Converter. That gave me trouble in my old 3 speed in my NA Fairlane.
Its not common but it still can be an issue, just something to have checked.

Mate it doesn't rev even in park or neutral.

I appreciate all the help and feedback and we will see tomorrow morning if it is the cat or exhaust.

Can't do it this arv as I just drove home from work (an hours drive)

Cheers guys

[AshMan]

Hey,

I pulled the exhaust manifold off this morning and let it warm up, gave it a boot full and she revved right out to the limiter!

I am extremely happy now.

Looks like the cat has collapsed or one of the mufflers are ИИИИed.

Looks like I have a good excuse to get an exhaust and cat done now!

Thanks heaps guys,

I love fordforums and I love you all!