So last weekend I made the journey from Phoenix to Raleigh NC. Left with the Montero Friday morning and by Saturday morning I was stranded on the side of the road near Elk City, OK.

Started with stopping to grab a bite to eat in Amarillo and when I parked it, it died and wouldn't start up again. This turned out to be the EFI fusible link in the engine bay. Fixed and got back on the road.

About 50 miles later the Check Engine light comes on and it starts missing pretty bad, RPM started to jump around from 3k to 2.5k and back. Pulled over to side of the road and it died as soon as I slowed down to about 10 MPH. Sat for a bit while calling some relatives in the OKC area. After sitting for about 30 minutes, it fired right up and ran normal so we headed back down the road a few more miles before it started doing the same thing. Pulled over and elected to wait for a lift to OKC airport to get a rental car to finish the journey. Had a friend of the family pick up the Montero and take it back to OKC.

So right now I'm trying to decide if I should try to figure out what's wrong with it and fly back to finish the drive from OKC to Raleigh, or unload it for scrap. It can sit where it's at for a month or two, but I'll need to fix or dispose of it eventually. I don't really have the option of multiple trips there to troubleshoot it.

After sitting for awhile it seems to start and run fine, but after running (~30 minutes or so?) it starts to miss badly but as long as you stay on the gas it will keep running but erratically. If you stop the engine it will start but idle very roughly and probably die without you feathering the gas a bit. Doesn't seem to misfire, but with the RPM jumping around the way it is plus you can hear that the engine isn't always firing on all cylinders. Suspect a possible fuel delivery issue or maybe the power transistor.

Any ideas on the issue and whether it's worth messing with?

I had a similar problem that turned out to be a coil pack/boot. you could drive fine for 30 minutes and then it would act up, once it sat for 20 minutes you were good to go. once the pack got hot it would expand and arc everywhere.

I would guess fuel delivery too. The pump would be my first guess. I imagine you've changed the fuel filter. I'm in Oklahoma just outside OKC, if there is anything I can do let me know. I can try to help.

I'm in OKC Just off I-44 7 I-235. I have a shop and a car hauler. Let me know if you need some help.

405-541-8320
Rich

Hey BottomFeeler, Jorge and I could use a hand picking up an 86 and an extra engine and transmission today, you know, if you're up for stopping by Phoenix.

Torchwood, take a look at those coil packs. The engine has three, all on the driver's side cylinders. I replaced mine about two years ago instead of testing them and reusing them, but I tossed the old ones, sorry. If you're getting in there to replace any of the coils, it's a great time to replace the spark plugs and wires as well.

John B.

I was at the salvage yard most of the day, everything is half off all weekend. If only I got your message sooner. I did score a nice set of Aisin Manual hubs for $9.98. I also picked up a black tailgate for $24.00

Torchwood, where is your monty located?

I need a hazard switch!

Sorry for the multi-hijackings.

John B.

I sent two to Jay. He did the repairs on at least one. If he sends them back I can send you one. Actually, he can keep one and send you the other. I have a back up.

I have one if that would help...

It's currently parked in the Yukon/Mustang area. I recently replaced all 3 coil packs and the plug wires, along with the plugs and a bunch of other stuff (timing belt related) before heading out on my trip. I need to ping the guy I left it with to see if he's had a chance to have someone look at it. I know he's been able to move it around his property without issues.

If you're up for taking a look at it, I doubt he'd have an issue with you going by. PM me if you're interested.