86 Hatchback hesitation, no ECU?

[Frank B]

Ok, my 86 hatch has a bad hesitation/stumble. Did the usual tune up, filters, carb cleaning/rebuild, checked timing. But it still has a bad stumble. The EGR dash light is on, but there doesn't appear to be an ECU anywhere? What triggers the EGR light? Before I go and rip off all the emissions, what components are the usual suspects? I can hear odd noises coming from the air baffles going to the exhaust, but disconnecting them didn't seem to help.

86 4WD 4 speed EA81 Hatch

[Skip]

Few questions, couple answers

 

"But it still has a bad stumble."

Most often caused by a bad accelerator pump in the carb.

A can of Seafoam (avail. at any quality auto parts) has been known

to work miracles - takes a hundred miles or so though.

 

"The EGR dash light is on, What triggers the EGR light?"

The EGR light is triggered by a mileage counter (60 kmi).

 

To reset it look above the fuse box after removing the trim panel.

There will be three odd colored connectors.

Two will be plugged together one will be loose.

Unplug the two and plug the other into the proper end.

SHAZAM no EGR light.

 

"but there doesn't appear to be an ECU anywhere?"

Normally there is not one on this model.

Look for a 02 sensor

 

Remember - - No 02 = No ECU

 

"I can hear odd noises coming from the air baffles

going to the exhaust, but disconnecting them didn't seem to help."

 

Well now you have a open can of worms - this generally means the

reed valves in the AVS system are toast.

 

(try a search for "AVS" you'll see what I mean)

 

If not dealt with the baffles as you call them (silencers) will melt

and plastic will be ingested by the carb - - not pretty

this may have happened and is the reason for the stumble.

 

Use an electric torch and look down the carb throat for signs

of black plastic debris.

 

Note this can also lead to jammed open throttle plates

not a good thing - BTDT

 

Hope this helps somewhat.

[Frank B]

It's all coming back to me now....slowly.I'll reset the EGR light, no problem.

Rebuilt and cleaned the carb, new acc. pump, adjusted float, etc, etc so I dismissed that as a culprit, but I'll look again.

 

Thanks Skip