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87 TC 5.0 computer question

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    #1

    87 TC 5.0 computer question

    Ok so I took this thing to the Ford dealer here in town to have them diagnose the problem with the car. I narrowed it down to possibly being the puter. It acts like it can not adjust the timing itself. I had to adjust the distributor about 5 time just to get it to the dealership. Well I got the usual run around. They swore they wouldn't do anything but of course they tried. I did get the guy to spill that they thought it was the puter in the car cuz he was ticked I told him I was done with him and he already ordered the puter. He was going to charge me $250 for it. I found one at a salvage yard 30 miles from me. My question is what numbers are the important ones on these things? I have on it as follows:

    One side
    EEC-IV
    SFI-SD1
    E7SF-12A650-R1A

    Other side it has a part number of #7L8-4012

    Any help would be super appreciated.

    Jeremy
    Tags: None
    #2
    Theres a 3 digit program code on the side with all the part numbers near the connector. Its usually the large characters. 86-87 Vic, Grand Marq, Towncar are drop-in even if that program code doesn't match but any 86-91 will work. You will get error codes about a missing VSS signal since an 87 doesn't have that wiring but its not that big of a problem.

    The ECMs rarely fail. If you're having to adjust the timing, and you can confirm that its wandering around with the SPOUT connector unplugged, I can pretty well guarantee the problem is your timing chain is slapped out.
    86 Lincoln Town Car (Galactica).
    5.0 HO, CompCams XE258,Scorpion 1.72 roller rockers, 3.55 K code rear, tow package, BHPerformance ported E7 heads, Tmoss Explorer intake, 65mm throttle body, Hedman 1 5/8" headers, 2.5" dual exhaust, ASP underdrive pulley

    91 Lincoln Mark VII LSC grandpa spec white and cranberry

    1984 Lincoln Continental TurboDiesel - rolls coal

    Originally posted by phayzer5
    I drive a Lincoln. I can't be bothered to shift like the peasants and rabble rousers

    Everything looks like voodoo if you don't understand how it works

    Comment

      #3
      Just a point of curiosity: when you say that the computer adjusts timing, is there actually a solenoid that can rotate the distributor by minor degrees?
      What is a SPOUT connector, where is it/ what does it look like, exactly what powers does it have on timing?
      Just wanna know

      Comment

        #4
        Originally posted by gadget73 View Post
        Theres a 3 digit program code on the side with all the part numbers near the connector. Its usually the large characters. 86-87 Vic, Grand Marq, Towncar are drop-in even if that program code doesn't match but any 86-91 will work. You will get error codes about a missing VSS signal since an 87 doesn't have that wiring but its not that big of a problem.

        The ECMs rarely fail. If you're having to adjust the timing, and you can confirm that its wandering around with the SPOUT connector unplugged, I can pretty well guarantee the problem is your timing chain is slapped out.
        Thanks for the info. This dam thing is so irratic that I'm not entirely sure what it is actually doing. I do know that last night drving it from the dealer that it drove fine for about a mile then sputtered and died. It wouldn't start until I moved the distributor a hair. I got about half a mile then it would stammer real bad when I accelerated. Then it died again. I turned the distr. the other way past the original position and it took off and I got home. It had plenty of power after that. It even squealed the tires which it hasn't done in a long time. I guarentee now after it sat over night it will not start until I turn the distr. again.

        The dealer was leaning toward the PCM but I am so pissed at them I don't know. I was so mad at them the manager dropped the charges. They had the car for 5 days and not once called me until I called then. Worse then lawyers I tell ya.

        Jeremy

        Comment

          #5
          Originally posted by BerniniCaCO3 View Post
          Just a point of curiosity: when you say that the computer adjusts timing, is there actually a solenoid that can rotate the distributor by minor degrees?
          What is a SPOUT connector, where is it/ what does it look like, exactly what powers does it have on timing?
          Just wanna know

          You must search inquisitive one... google is your friend.
          Builder/Owner of Badass Panther Wagons

          Busy maintaining a fleet of Fords

          Comment

            #6
            Originally posted by BerniniCaCO3 View Post
            Just a point of curiosity: when you say that the computer adjusts timing, is there actually a solenoid that can rotate the distributor by minor degrees?
            What is a SPOUT connector, where is it/ what does it look like, exactly what powers does it have on timing?
            Just wanna know
            no, its electronically controlled. No moving parts inside the distributor. The spout connector is that square plug thing hanging in the harness next to the ignition module. It breaks the advance circuit so the computer can't adjust anything. You can actually drive with that out, but the engine will severely lack power.
            86 Lincoln Town Car (Galactica).
            5.0 HO, CompCams XE258,Scorpion 1.72 roller rockers, 3.55 K code rear, tow package, BHPerformance ported E7 heads, Tmoss Explorer intake, 65mm throttle body, Hedman 1 5/8" headers, 2.5" dual exhaust, ASP underdrive pulley

            91 Lincoln Mark VII LSC grandpa spec white and cranberry

            1984 Lincoln Continental TurboDiesel - rolls coal

            Originally posted by phayzer5
            I drive a Lincoln. I can't be bothered to shift like the peasants and rabble rousers

            Everything looks like voodoo if you don't understand how it works

            Comment

              #7
              Originally posted by gadget73 View Post
              no, its electronically controlled. No moving parts inside the distributor. The spout connector is that square plug thing hanging in the harness next to the ignition module. It breaks the advance circuit so the computer can't adjust anything. You can actually drive with that out, but the engine will severely lack power.
              Thanks for clearing that up. I was always unsure why when anyone here explains how to set the timing they say to disconnect that connector. It makes sense now.
              2020 Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum (Ice White / Blonde)
              2022 Ram 1500 4x4 5.7 Etorque, Built to Serve Edition, (Granite Crystal / Black)
              Past Panthers
              1989 Grand Marquis LS (Cabernet/Grey), 1989 Lincoln Town Car SS (White/Blue), 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis Ultimate (White/Black)

              Originally posted by Lincolnmania
              if its got tits or tires it's bound to give you trouble

              Comment

                #8
                Ok well the PCM didn't do the trick. I must be close though. The distributor needs to be in one position to start and 5 to 10 minutes later needs to be moved in order to run. Then when it cools down it will need to be put back to start again. I know the pick up coil was replaced. Could there be a dead spot? Maybe replace the whole distributor maybe? That would be my last hope iI guess before scrapping the beast.

                Jeremy

                Comment

                  #9
                  Originally posted by jubylives View Post
                  Ok well the PCM didn't do the trick. I must be close though. The distributor needs to be in one position to start and 5 to 10 minutes later needs to be moved in order to run. Then when it cools down it will need to be put back to start again. I know the pick up coil was replaced. Could there be a dead spot? Maybe replace the whole distributor maybe? That would be my last hope iI guess before scrapping the beast.

                  Jeremy
                  unplug the damn spout connector. Set the distributor at 10*btdc. Make sure cylinder 1 is on the #1 molded into the distributor cap. When you're moving the distributor. you're angering and confusing the computer. It assumes you're at 10* when you're really not. Set it to stock and leave it alone. If it still acts up, check all wiring connections. If that all checks out replace the whole distributor. TFI module, the electronic pick up inside. Everything. What codes does the thing have.

                  Comment

                    #10
                    No codes. I've set the timing on it like you said and it does no good. Same thing. The only way I can get it to start is to move it clockwise just a hair then it will start then like I said dies after about 5 to 10 minutes driving. Then the only way to get it to start is to move it counter clockwise a hair past the original position. The pick up coil and module are all new.
                    Last edited by jubylives; 04-30-2011, 10:10 PM.

                    Comment

                      #11
                      Where'd you get the module from?

                      Comment

                        #12
                        Orielly Auto Parts here in town.

                        Comment

                          #13
                          What brand?

                          Comment

                            #14
                            Don't know for sure. They didn't have the good brand. What is it Mastercraft or the like. I forget. Think that may be causing this?

                            Comment

                              #15
                              Oops motorcraft is what I meant.

                              Comment

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