Dan: I've had the same problem wiht my '87 4kq since new. It was only after I joined the list did I learn of the "9 o'clock" solution. I'll yield to the folsk wiht more techno experience but my guess is that it is simply a stupid design. Bill Murin '87 4kq @ 163,000 miles (broken) '89 100q @ 143,000 (the "new" car) Story to follow--its long but boring!!