Howdy All,

 

I went to do some tune-up bits to the old '83 T-Wagon and managed to kill it. Here's what I did: I removed the airbox and MAF and cleaned both with brake cleaner, replaced the rotor and distributor cap, new spark plugs.

 

Now the car won't catch and run. Here's where I think the problem most likely lies, hopefully you guys can give me some direction.

 

- Destroyed the MAF because I didn't realize I needed to be careful.

- Bad cap and rotor (?), I had a hell of a time getting those parts from a local store.

- Didn't gap check the spark plugs.

- Couldn't find new wires, the original ones tested fine, but who knows.

- Spark wires in the wrong order?

 

I have yet to order all the right parts and re-install everything again the right way. But, I will appreciate any input that can point me in the right direction.

 

On a side note, if my haunch that I killed my MAF is correct, can I use the 'hot-wire' MAF from an '85-'86 EA82T? (It looks the same from pictures)

 

So, now when I try to start the car, it cranks over and eventually gives a backfire.

 

Thanks!

 

INPUT HERE:

 

(Edit: Is the distributor firing order the same on the EA81T as the EA81?)

(Edit: Is the distributor firing order the same on the EA81T as the EA81?)

 

Yes

Firing order is the same as all Soobs.

 

1-3-2-4

 

 

Killing a MAF with brake cleaner is usually something that happen to the Hot-wire style.

 

You have a Flapper MAF, all it' electrical contacts are sealed in the upper portion of it, out of the airstream. I doubt you got any brake cleaner in there, or that it would caue any issue.

 

I am suspect of the Cap/Rotor.

 

For some reason, it seem these are THE hardest thing to make sure you are getting the right part. Many different models used similar but not identical parts. I bought 5 caps and rotor for my 86 EA82T when I found the right ones, just to not have to track them down again.

Thanks for the advice, I just solved it though, my spark wires were all 90 degrees off. I knew that it would work because after i rearranged the wires, I ate sh*^ entering the car to start it and at that moment I knew it would work! My car requires blood, sweat and tears to run properly.

 

- Noah

Glad to hear it was a simple fix. Keep her running!