I have a 1980 5-speed, 80,000 miles that has an issue where the engine stops firing when driving. It occurs both when cold and when warmed up and always only lasts 3-5 seconds. Problem started about a year ago and was very rare but now happens every time I go for a ride.

It feel like a total loss of engine power but if I keep it in gear the power comes completely back and everything is back to normal within a few seconds. If I take it out of gear it starts right back up. Idiot lights don't come on when this happens.

Tried giving the car a full tune up to no avail. Also, when I replaced the green wire I found small pieces of the brittle plastic green wire connector broken off inside the distributor but I cleaned all those out and found no improvement. No fuel leaks.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

SWAG but I would start with swapping around the key relays with others on the panel that are not essential for running the car, or just install new ones. I was also thinking Ignition Switch. Both suggestions are complete guesses but relays are easy to move and cost $0 to try.

 

Not a bad idea. I think it was about a year ago I removed and completely cleaned the electrical panel and replaced some corroded relays. I will start there.

I also have a spare ignition switch so I may try that also.

Thanks

 

I had a 944 that did this. Since they are both L-jet, check for breaks in wiring running to the AFM too. This was my issue. In the end I had to solder wires and shrink wrap.

 

Check your battery negative lead, the whole length not just the ends, they corrode quite badly and with it having a plastic sleeve covering it, hard to see.
Ken
80 928S
5 Speed
UK

 

Check your green wire. If it isn't bright green, replace it. They commonly cause no starts and weird running issues.

 

NOTE on replacing the green wire , it appears the new replacement URO part is not properly made,
this will result in the white plug having to be forced into the distributor coil ,
this could damage the coil and/OR the green wire may short out internally,
due to the wires having to be forced into the white plug.
I have 4 known cases where this wire has been installed and caused various issues,
I suggest to only use the Bosch green wire for this application.
NOTE if any part of the wire installation involves forcing something into the distributor so that the clamp will fit ,
then your green wire is not fit for use.
Return it and get the Bosch part.

NOTE for the OP also check the ground wires on the right side of the cam tower

 

it ended up being the green wire. Thanks!