FPR 211 vs. 215

[MHLIGGINS@aol.com]

    Did some checking today. Had some problems the last few days, similar to 
what I had before installing the 215. Took out the 215 and found an old 211.
    I took the covers off to look inside. One MAJOR difference is the number 
of moving contacts inside. The 211 has 2, the 215 has 3. The 215 has TWO 
contacts that close to connect #87, the 211 has only one contact there.
    Close examination of the 215 showed that one of the #87 contacts had a 
little bit of carbon built up on it. So I cleaned it. Used a small piece of 
emery cloth and put it between the contacts, pulling it through to clean out 
the carbon. (Similar to cleaning ignition points in the Sonnett.) Since the 
prob with the 215 was intermittent, I think that cleaning the second contact 
solved the problem.
    Then I looked at the old 211, found that there was carbon on the single 
#87 contact. (This FPR gave several problems every time the car was cranked, 
IF I could get it running, that is.) So, I cleaned the contact for #87. With 
the 211 this is a minor PITA, requires using a VERY thin piece of emery 
cloth. It's tough to get the cloth into the contact area. But it is possible. 
With the 215 the contacts are very accessible, so this is a definite 
improvement.

    I hope this info is useful to those of you who were looking for info 
regarding the differences between the two FPRs. FWIW the part number for the 
215 FPR (443 951 253 L) is the latest revision for the FPR. The one that came 
on my '87 5KTQ had an "F" suffix. Called Rod at TPC today and checked on 
pricing. With q-list discount the price was $18 per each. So there's no 
reason not to order one or more to keep on hand as spares. I'd also recommend 
that you pull the one you have in your car and look at the contact for #87. 
If it looks slightly carboned you might want to clean it up a bit and order a 
back-up tomorrow.

    Later.
    --ml