Can this be done

cobra427 · Post by **cobra427** » 15 Jun 2008, 03:19

I'm thinking of potentially using the engine and box out of my '91 940 gle when it finally dies - for a kit car project.

Can I replace the fuel injection system for a carb(s) also dump the ecu and run an MSD ignition

The engine is the 2.3 4 cyl 8v (with the dizzy at the back of the block)

Also anyone got ideas on this - when it rains heavy - the car stops, theres no water getting to the dizzy, coil, plugs - but it stops.

I get the feeling that it could be under the car but I cant see anything like bare wires etc to cause a short etc.

Cheers in advance

wojeepster · Post by **wojeepster** » 15 Jun 2008, 05:04

You can check for spark and check for gas and go from there. Because the fuel pump is under the car and subject to water I think the problem may be there. If you have fuel when your problem occurs then check your pickup. Power, ground and pulse. If you need more info. tracy martins, "how to diagnose and repair automobile electrical systems" is a great book and it is cheap $17.

If you want to use your car for a project use the fuel injection. I recommend Megasquirt (a darn near infinitely adjustable fuel injection controller and a deal at $253) Look on the megasquirt forumn.

cobra427 · Post by **cobra427** » 15 Jun 2008, 07:32

Thanks - but I want to do away with the efi

Having had a string of cars that have developed efi issues - for my project car I want to go back to something I understand (carbs) and can fine tune myself and will be easy to tweak at the track on "play days".

I've looked at the spark (even when it's raining and still runs) and it's ok - I've changed the dizzy cap and like I've said there's no water getting to the engine bay.

The only OTHER thing i'd thought of was the air flow sensor - I wonder if water is getting into it and shorting it out as it's right behind a headlamp and obviously water will flow around the lamp....

we had the car parked facing up hill one night and it rained really bad (blowing down hill) - the car didnt start in the morning but started ok later in the day.

just a thought

wojeepster · Post by **wojeepster** » 15 Jun 2008, 07:47

Did you check to see if you have gas (at plugs), at injectors, at fuel rail (pressure?).

When you are having problem you can unplug air mass sensor this puts car into limp home mode and if car now starts then shut off and plug back in if car will not start after plugging back in and it does start when unplugged you have a bad air mass sensor. If you need one you can get a good used one at www.car-part.com. I bought two for my 88 240 for the silly price of $20 each (one to replace the bad and one for a spare!) Go to the page with the asterisk for the lowest priced part.

Also have you tried flicking the fuel pump relay with your thumb and forefinger when the problem occurs. It is common that these go bad intermittently. When problem occurs flick it a few times and try restart, if it restarts replace fuel pump relay.

I recommend you learn about fuel injection. It is not any harder than carbs just different. And it is so much better. As you know it is expensive to have your fuel injection worked on but and here's the catch (its easy!)

cobra427 · Post by **cobra427** » 15 Jun 2008, 16:04

Car runs sweet as a nut when it's dry weather or light rain/drizzle. so I'm ruling out relays.

I still get fuel after it's stopped as you can smell it - and it does try to fire on occasions.

I dont want to use another engine in my project as I have the perfect sized engine already (and it's free since it's mine already) but I really do want to junk the efi unit.

But if I have to - I'll go find a 2.0 Zetec and stick a pair of webers on it.

Yeah I know you can "map" an efi unit (I play with computers all day long for my job) - but I'm "old Skool" when it comes to building grunty engines..

Post by **sseir39** » 15 Jun 2008, 19:16

Check on turbobricks.com They have a bunch of wild ideas regarding different fuel set ups.