Hi all,

So I went to start my yesterday morning and it just spins and spins but doesn't ignite. I've been stalking the forums here and there are a lot of good posts on this issue. So I got to diagnosing:

1.) I couldn't get any of the plug wires off of the plugs, so I ordered a plug wire puller. So I haven't been able to check sparks at the plugs, so I've tried to at least test the coil with the following:

Removed main spark lead from distributor and attached spark gauge, disconnected negative to coil, and using jumper leads, ground the coil to the engine by tapping and check for a spark, with the ignition in the On position. I don't get any sparking out of the spark gauge, but the act of touching the ground of the coil to the engine block causes a lot of sparking where I'm doing the tapping. Is that normal for this test?

2.) I'm reading 1.2 ohms across the positive and negative of the coil, and 7.88K. Is this also a sign of a bad coil?

3.) If I replace the coil, what is the best way to remove it? Do I need to remove the headlamp motor assembly? Or is there an easier trick?

4.) Also tested the speed sensor and reference sensor. Reference sensor is fine, but speed sensor reading 1.8M on pins 8 to 27, which should be 600-1600 ohms. I don't get any tach bounce either. On my car, the connectors were wrapped in electrical tape and are hanging a bit loose, I am missing some support bracket I think. Are there replacements available anywhere or are they unnecessary?

5.) The car was running fine the night before. I find it kind of strange that two parts would go bad at the same time. So I wonder if I'm not testing the coil right. When the car was running, it would 'miss' a bit at high RPMs. So I wouldn't be surprised if the coil was on it's way out anyway. I think the last tune up was about 10k and 10 years ago. From reading, I think it could also be the DME detecting an overboost situation. I'll need to look more in to it when I get the thing running again.

6.) I haven't been able to find a fuel pressure gauge with a fitting that will fit the fuel rail, so I haven't been able to figure out if there's anything amiss with the fuel. What do you guys use for measuring fuel pressure? I have an adjustable fuel pressure regulator and I would like to know what it's set at.

Anyway, thanks for any advice. I just got this 944 a few weeks ago and I've been really enjoying it. Still a few gremlins to weed out I guess.

 

Re: #2) the 7.88K is from the coil's spark lead to ground, which according to clarks is a bit on the high side, while the 1.2ohms is on the low side.

 

Two new sensors and wiring repairs to begin with. The bracket isn't crucial.