Engine code 44, rockers ticking

[doebelj1]

Hey guys,

I recently rebuilt the engine in my 90 eagle talon AWD. New pistons, new rod bearings, new head even. I've had it running three times now. The first time I forgot to put the crankshaft pulley bolt in while checking for an oil leak, and destroyed my head. I bought a new one from Chicago Heads and installed it. Had the car running and found out there wasn't any oil getting to the head. Turned out my oil pump was shot. Replaced that and now have everything back together to run into another problem.

The car starts up but sputters. At first I had to have it at WOT to start it, but now I just need a little gas, and have to tap it about every 5 seconds to keep it running. There is little vacuum pressure, about 8-10 inHg, and there is noise coming from the rockers and lifters. The plugs are flooded a little, and I ran a code check and came up with a 44 - Ignition Coil. I checked the ignition coil just a few weeks back and it was alright. I'm not sure what could be causing this. Any ideas?

 

[staytrue2007]

Sounds like you have a loose wire on your tach module or coil assemble. It could even be a bad tach module. Ive had the same thing happen to me with the same code when I installed my msd ignition box and it was just a loose wire. The tach module is located on the back of the coil mounting bracket.

 

[doebelj1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wJ7f...ature=youtu.be

The audio quality may not be the best but it's ticking up top. Plus, for whatever reason I didn't think to turn on the dash lights so you could see the tachometer but it's idling at about 500 - 700 rpms.

That plug I grabbed near the end comes off the wiring harness near the coil pack and PTU. I'm pretty sure it was left open with all the deletes or is just diagnostic..?

If that module was bad, would I need to replace the whole coil pack?

 

[staytrue2007]

That link says that the video does not exist. If the tach module is bad you will have to buy the coil assembly. As far as the lifter tick goes I would make sure you have good oil pressure and that you are getting oil up to the head. Did you install new lifters? I know on my rebuild it took a while for the lifters to quit ticking.

I would also double check and make sure the engine is in time. You might also wiggle the wires by the tach module and see if it runs any better. If that doesnt change anything i would remove the coil assembly and check to make sure the connections are tight on the coil and tach module.

 

[bq509]

I'm really not sure if the 1gs have this...but my issue was my power transistor. Its a sensor that bolts to the intake manifold and apparently they cause misfires and bad idling if it goes out. As for lifter tick I think its pretty common in dsms on startup. As long as it goes away after operating temp or while driving. and if you have an oil pressure gauge or a way of seeing if your getting good oil pressure?

 

[doebelj1]

Whoops, sorry, hopefully this one will work.

Engine tick - YouTube

I pulled the plugs last night and number 1 and 4 were black. Number 2 and 3 were okay though. I tested the coil pack and the PTU a few weeks back and both worked just fine. I did the light bulb test with the PTU and got good results. I'm sure that's okay, but I'm going to swing by the junkyard today and see if I can't pull another one for testing.

I'm sure the lifter tick will go away with a little time and an oil change to a better oil. But the code I can't figure out, and I'm sure it's ignition related, and causing the car to idle poorly. The coolant temp sensor wires ripped out when I was putting the head back on, but I think they got put back together okay. Plus, I would believe it would throw a code 21 - coolant temp sensor.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Yes the code 21 is a cts for our dsms.

 

[doebelj1]

I had enough and tore down the front of the motor. Turns out when number one was TDC, the crank was off about ten degrees. Or so I thought. I didn't pay attention when I put the crankshaft deflector plate on and put it on backwards. So the crank timing mark was flipped when it looked lined up. Making sure to use a screwdriver in number one from now on.

Put the timing belt back on and she fired right up. Purred like a kitten at about 800 rpms, with 18-20 inHg vacuum. The check engine light came back on but I think it's just because I don't have the alternator hooked up yet. Should be good to go though!