Help needed: 4kq engine still cuts out

[Brady Moffatt]

Jan,

Possessed starter notwithstanding, this exact problem happened to me with my
1980 Datsun 200SX. Japanese, I know, but it did have L-jetronic injection
and a simple electronic ignition. The problem, in my case, was the ignition
module. Don't believe people who say that those modules work or they don't.
They are just as good at causing intermittent problems as the next part!

Cheers,
Brady Moffatt
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
86 4ksq, 286,000km
86 4ksq, 208,000km parts car
72 Datsun 240Z, 180,000 miles
In early stages of quattrosis accumulatus

----- Original Message -----
From: <Jpinkowish at aol.com>


> Hi folks,
> The engine is still cutting out.
> Here's what happened yesterday:
> --turn ignition to "on"(not crank), still get a tach bounce 0-->1k-->0
> --Start the car(no problem) and idled for 20 min to normal operating temp.
> --shut down, restart a cuppla times, no problem.  still getting the tach
> bounce.
> --shut down, 2 hours later, drive 30 miles on local roads/freeway no
problems
> --4 hours later start drive home.  sitting at light after driving 3 miles,
> tach bounces from 1k-->2k with no increase in engine speed.  drive on
highway
> for 15 miles, exit, shift into neutral, and engine dies about 5 sec later.
> --sit for 2-3 min, switch ignition to "on"(not crank"), get tach bounce,
and
> starter briefly engages, then lets go.  I think that this is key info.
> --get car started and continue home, with engine dying about every 3
> miles(about 3-4 min).  keep getting tach bounce, and once more the starter
> tries to engage with the ignition in only the "on" position.
>
> Now, I will admit that I've been having a sporadic problem with the
solenoid
> not engaging the starter motor.
>
> So, questions I have(without yet going through Bentley):
> --Something in the starter/solenoid shorting out and grounding the
ignition?
> --Ignition switch problem?  Harness plug looks clean, wiggling the key
with
> the engine running does nothing.
> --Hall sender in distrib?
> --Ignition control module?
>
> What baffles me is the time and/or temp(?) cycle of the cut out.
>
> I wish that the engine would croak in the garage!
>
> Suggestions are much appreciated.
>
> Jan Pinkowish
> '85 4ksq
> Bristol, CT


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