75 Ascona starts but won't stay running

[Mr Clifton]

That is the first thing that I checked. I have checked both lines a few times again and all is right with that.

[Sportwagon75]

Neil - It may sound simplistic...but be sure the battery connections are clean...especially the separate wire that supplies power to the F/I. Also, near the fuse box...there's a small in-line fuse holder for the F/I. Take it apart and make sure the contacts inside are clean and not corroded. Let us know how you're making progress. -SD

[tekenaar]

If you haven't done so already, check all FI system grounds!! . . . specifically:

1. Dual relay (11) terminal 85 (brown wire)
2. ECU (1) terminals 5, 16 and 17 (19)
3. Electric fuel pump (9)

[DennisGardiner]

Originally Posted by Mr Clifton How do you run cleaner through the injectors in both directions? Do you use air or do you electronically activate them? Hey Sportwagen75 was that your Manta I almost bought on EBay a few months ago?

You can not, you will want to send the injectors out for professional cleaning.
RC Engineering in Torrance, CA (310) 320-2277
Racing Fuel Injectors - RC Engineering (C) 2005.

[Mr Clifton]

Will do. I've been in contact with RC. $24 dollars is a bargain to rebuild.

The inline fuse is okay and the grounds all check out.

I will keep at it.

[dallasmanta]

clifton, check the connector to the air box this connector is one that if it is loose it will let the car start but will not allow you to run at any RPMS.
I sent you an email yesterday but did not hear from you. I have an order of checks that I do on the FI system to see what failed. Ron

[Mr Clifton]

The fuel pressure checks out okay. Right at 45 psi.

Ron I did not receive your email. Please resend to mrclifton5@comcast.net

I will check all of the grounds from your diagram tekenaar.

Thanks, Neil

[David McCollam]

Neil,

Did you perform a static pressure test by using a jumper at the fuel pump connection at the dual relay? This should give you the 44-45 psi reading. That pump is capable of about 100 psi. This I know from experience. Do not ask!

The real trick is the delivery at idle and operation. If the car will idle and supply pressure in the 31-45 psi range depending on throttle position your pump is good. If you experience any flow increase above 45 psi there is a blockage in the return line.

If the car stumbles in transition from idle to part throttle, you may have a blockage problem at the injectors. A second possibility is a loose connection at the coolant temperature sensor. That the the white connector plug behind the thermostat housing coming in from the rear at about a 30 degree angle. If that connector is loose or unplugged it will not signal the enrichment circuit for idle and create a rough idle condition.

If the car will run, but perform poorly, the sensor may be shorted and run rich at all temperatures and speeds. You can test this by using a jumper wire across the connector at start up. The car should start and run normally at a temperature above 70-75F.

The trick is the fuel pressure. If you can test it with the car running, you will have a better idea on the fuel delivery issue. Did you spray card cleaner in the air flow meter or throttle body with the car off? That stuff will coat the plugs after making its way through the injectors. It takes a little while to burn off. Clean and check the plug gap.

I have some spares for FI. Drop me a note if you find yourself in need.

Good luck.

Dave

[Mr Clifton]

It is fixed!!!

After all of that it was the condenser. Ron suggested that I check all of the ignition stuff and for the heck of it I hooked another condenser with jumper wires to the coil and it runs great.

Thank you all for all of your input. I am fresh from two Porsches and while that website (Rennlist) is cool, this one is just like the Opels- lots of fun and personality.

I am so flipping happy right now I can't explain it.

Just like in life you do all of your learning when you are having problems. No one wants to go through the pain it takes to get things sorted out but once you are there it is a wonderful feeling.

I know now that I have every ground and possible wire connection that could give me problems clean and tidy!

Thanks again!

Neil Clifton

[Gary]

Originally Posted by Mr Clifton It is fixed!!!

Great news!

[Mike Preble]

Once more I am going to say it... This site is the greatest with people who didn't give up and were willing to stick with helping others until a problem was solved.

Mike