So I've been having son issues with this 300 straight six that I recently picked up. I've repaired a few vac leaks and done the full run up. It still has surging and idle issues and runs ok some days and like total crap other days. So I finally got my hands on a timing light, painted the crank marks, unplugged the spout. Everything looked great. Right at 10 deg. Plug the spout back in and it's back to it's surging ways. First at 8 deg. Then unplug/replug... Now we're all over the place between 16 deg and 4 deg. I've gone for a couple drives with the spout disconnected and it runs MUCH smoother, but seems to be lacking power. I'm no mechanic but I do like to learn and fix and I'm very open to you guys input. So I guess what I need to know is am I going to damage anything ny running without the spout and what is my next move as far as figuring out what's wrong?

 

It's doing what it is supposed to do - the computer controls advancing and retarding the timing once spout connector is plugged back in. The only thing you do is set the base timing at 10 BTDC and let the computer do the rest.

I would look at your IAC and your TPS for surging/idle issues. If it's an automatic there is another sensor on the tranny that can cause problems.

 

Thanks for the response BLD... TPS and IAC are new. VSS is good. I'm starting to think TFI? I'm telling you. This thing runs sooo much smoother with the spout out. Started right up this morning. Normally it stalls and dies at least once. And normally I get a lot engine ping untill the computer finally settles the idle. Today, easy start, no knocking and smooth shifts throughout.
and yes, it's an E4OD. 145,000 miles.

 

Could be TFI, could be the computer itself - if computer controlled timing is causing it to run ragged, then I think you at least have it narrowed down.

 

You know... I've been thinking the more I mess with this engine that it's got computer issues. It's going to be a few days before I get to a junkyard and get another computer. Do you think I'm doing any damage running without the spout? It sure doesn't seem like it. At this point I feel I'd do more damage with it in. Trans shifts are rough, plus the pinging. Now for the big question . Where the hell is the "computer"...

 

 

Thanks for the video! You guys have been awesome. I'll update my progress soon.