4.3 Cobra H/O Spitfire Ignition Problems

The 1991 4.3 Cobra Port engine on my Doral Prestancia has an intermittent problem. When at cruise, the engine goes into 'limp' mode (minimal power, max 1500 rpm), as though overheated or low oil pressure or similar. There are no problems, water temp, oil etc. all fine. This may happen two or 3 times in a short time, or days apart. No pattern or common element I can figure out. Sometimes it will 'come back' to normal power itself, but usually I must shut engine off and restart, which I assume clears the ignition memory or sensor input that seems to trigger the problem. This has gone on for years.

Has anyone had similar problems? Any ideas how to solve or even track the source?
I don't want to try to find or buy a whole ignition module ($$$) especially when not sure that is the source of problem.
Faulty sensor? Other?
Would it feasable (easy for me) to swap the ignition modules between the port and starboard motors to see if problem follows the module"
Any thought or ideas greatly appreciated.

Re: 4.3 Cobra H/O Spitfire Ignition Problems

Remove and CLEAN all of the ground connections.A intermittent ground is worse than no ground at all and will drive you nuts.GL,Ted

Re: 4.3 Cobra H/O Spitfire Ignition Problems

lmgunn said:

Any ideas how to solve or even track the source?
I don't want to try to find or buy a whole ignition module ($$$) especially when not sure that is the source of problem.
Faulty sensor? Other?
Would it feasable (easy for me) to swap the ignition modules between the port and starboard motors to see if problem follows the module"
Any thought or ideas greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

Howdy,


Welcome aboard.


Yes you could swap the module to eliminate it as a source of the problem.

If it's an intermittent problem, a poor connection, bad sensor or bad ground connection etc, may be the cause..........If you can find someone with a scan-tool, you might have a much easier time finding the problem. When it happens, it should identify exactly what caused the switch to "limp-mode"

If you determine it IS the module, You probably will not find a new one. They are no longer made......(It's probably NOT the module though).....

That would require you to replace the entire ignition system with an aftermarket distributor, like Delco EST, MSD, Mallory, Mercury, etc......This will also require you to use an ESA too since the ESA was integral with the Spitfire electronic ignition.

Or completely repower. Unfortunately, you have engines and drives that are simply not supported very well any more.

Sorry about that.

Rick