4k-DOA on side of road

[Perry, Chris (EDS)]

It's been a long time since I had my 86 4ks but... This sounds just like a
hall sensor problem.  I believe the Tachometer gets its signal from the hall
sensor so that is the first clue.  I had very similar symptoms on a 90 vw
passat and I had to replace the entire distributor (hall sensor not
available separately).  I don't know if you can get a sensor separately for
the 4k.  Good luck,

Chris Perry


-----Original Message-----
From: SHOWMX at aol.com [mailto:SHOWMX at aol.com]
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2001 8:17 PM
To: quattro at audifans.com
Subject: 4k-DOA on side of road


Looking for a little advise on this one, after leaving my 4k on the side of 
road tonight after repeated attempts at resuscitation.  Please note, this is

a '87 4k 4 cyl-w/CIS-E

symptoms:  car was driving fine, has been for the 50k maintained miles I've 
had it for!  Suddenly the tach completely dropped off to 0 rpm while waiting

at a light and idling, yet the car wanted to stall but I could keep it 
running as I revved it.  While keeping it alive around 3000 rpm,  the tach 
stayed pinned at 0 rpm, bizzarre....  If I were to release the gas pedal it 
would die.  Couldn't keep it going w/red lights and all, and it soon stalled

entirely.  This all happened in a matter of 3 minutes, or 1/2 mile  or so of

driving....  Wouldn't restart, after 10 minutes or so it starts right up!  I

drive another 1 mile or 5 minutes this time, and same sequence of events 
occur.  I could drive and work hard at keeping the motor running yet the
tach 
was pinned at 0 rpm. This time no restart again. Battery & starter doin
their 
jobs ok.


What I did:   replaced condensor w/spare (had one at the house), put new 
distributor cap on (the other was pretty ugly upon inspection & I was near
an 
autoparts store).
Pulled spark plug closest to cam sprocket and confirmed spark.  Definitely 
getting fuel as the scent was obvious.  Got spark & fuel, Why no fire?

What gives?  Is this a Hall sender control unit or knock sensor control unit

problem?

thanks for all and any replies,

B. Parenteau
Quincy, MA

'87 4kcs
'90 200 turbo