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Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:00 pm
by JAWS89GTU
Ok i wanted to get some insight on these problems that im having and hopefully someone can shed some light on how to fix it or point me in the right way.. 89gtu

1st...my cruise control isnt working. Ive changed the servo, checked the fuses and the vaccum lines and it still doesnt work for me...

2nd.. my tachometer is wayyyyy out of wack.. when i go about 65, the tack is past 8k. Ive been thinking that maybe is it a coincidence that the tach and cruise dont work together.. ive connected a tach reader to confirm that the engine is running fine as far as rpms...any possibilities here??

3rd..ive seen an oil drippage on top of the oil filter...ive changed both valve cover gaskets and the oil pressure sending switch, so im a little stumped here after i thought ive finally fixed this leak thats been going on for yearsnow!


4th.. to me the cars been using gas like a mofo... i went from jersey back home yesterday, about 90miles and probably burnt 7gallons. and 90% was highway driving too 13MPG????????


5th. this morning it looked like my belt te

Re: Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 1:20 pm
by DTMAce
Not sure if the tach would affect that, but its possible. Also check the cruise connector, just behind the lever, make sure its plugged in.

Re: Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 1:32 pm
by ronaconda
1. Sounds like the switch on the column then if everything else is good.

2. This sounds like the gauge is effed. If there was a prob with the signal, I'd bet you'd be throwing a code and the CEL would be lit.

3. Where the oil filter screws on, it's actually an adapter that bolts to the engine...that gasket may be bad.

4. Change your O2 sensor.

5. ...

Re: Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 1:35 pm
by JAWS89GTU
Ace,thanks for your reply...I just checked and yes the wire behind the cruise lever is connected.

Re: Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 1:41 pm
by beretta
i had a small oil leak on my old 3.1, it was the seal where the cam drive goes, where the dummy distributor plug is.

Re: Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 1:52 pm
by JAWS89GTU
I've changed the o2 sensor a few months back,now I got a code for my knock sensor and I changed that and the wire connector for that, and this morning the cel came on for a few secs than shut off...I plugged my gm code reader and as always get a 12 code which says in the book there's no signal to ecm or something to that affect. As far as the oil filter? Does that little gasket have a specific name?

Re: Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 1:55 pm
by beretta
just a guess..... check the connections at the ECM. i bet they are corroded and not making a good contact. get some contact cleaner and make sure all the pins in the connector and ecm are spotless. maybe the ecm is bad..

is this a v6 ? 2.8 ?

Re: Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 1:56 pm
by JAWS89GTU
Yes it is a v6 2.8

Re: Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:04 pm
by beretta
the oil seal im thinking of, is on the top of the block down under the throttle body area, its a round plug and has a shaft on the inside that runs the oil pump, a seal from a 350 distributor will fit its maybe $2.00 to get one. but not sure if thats your problem, i had to change on my car they are known to leak there.

i have like 5 ECM's at least laying around here. i had some issues simular to yours with my 88 3.1. sounds like a bad connection at the ecm or the ecm is just bad. i would start there, rather then changing all sensors..

Re: Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:06 pm
by beretta
i could sell you a ecm for $50 shipped. shipping is going to be 15-25 at least, Im in Canada. ill be loosing money on them, most of the ones i have acquired i paid 50 for them at the wreckers here and there

Re: Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:27 pm
by JAWS89GTU
I've also noticed just now I had the blinker on with the car on and the gauges would move up and down slightly...what are some signs of the ecm possibly going?

Re: Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 3:18 pm
by ronaconda
Code 12 should flash 3 times before and after any other stored codes are displayed. If the CEL came on, there is a stored code unless you've disconnected the battery.

I highly doubt the leak you speak of is the dist plug/oil pump drive o-ring. It would have to do some funky traveling to get from there to the oil filter. The adapter gasket I spoke of is Felpro #70672 - $1.49 at Autozone.

Re: Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 5:19 pm
by beretta
JAWS89GTU wrote:I've also noticed just now I had the blinker on with the car on and the gauges would move up and down slightly...what are some signs of the ecm possibly going?
bad ground.. bad ecm connection. run a ground wire from the engine to the body and check the cables at the battery. sounds like a ground issue. i dont know really though lol.

Re: Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 6:16 pm
by berettaboi
it is pretty normal for the bat gauge to flutter a bit with signals on.

oil leak could be something as stupid as 2 seals on the oil filter, or a defect in the seal. could be the oil filter-adapter as mentioned, could be the infamous distributor shaft o-ring if it leaks bad enough... you will see it all over the engine if that's the case.

double check all your vacuum lines around the cruise, there is a 't' close to there i think, sometimes it pops off easily. could be a crack in the tube that you cant see. could be the fuse

Re: Just a few little issues

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 7:44 pm
by JAWS89GTU
Anything as far as the bad gas mileage, like i said im getting like 13 or 14mpgs as oppose to like 19-23ish...