I have a 97 EL Futura. Just in the last few days the engine has started cutting out. Runs for about 10 - 20 mins then just stops. Will restart after about 2 hours. Noticed temp reading going up quickly but not past the first line on the gauge. When it hits here it cuts out. Have noticed thermo fans not running on start up. They work if the aircon is turned on, but motor still cuts out. Not a fuel issue i don't think as it happens on both gas and fuel. Have also changed all the relays in front of airfilter box to no avail. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Hi,

It may be the electronic module on the dizzy. They are a known problem and often just stop. Next time it stops, unplug a spark plug lead and lay a spare plug over the manifold with the lead connected. If you dont get a spark cranking, you know where the problem is. Could still be the Coil, cheaper to swap out. When my Dizzy failed, it restarted then stopped again. If you decide to replace the Dizzy, go genuine or Bosch. The cheap Chinese ones can cause damage to drive gears.

Regards 96ELGli

on the money with dizzy/coil i recon, next time it happens if no spark probe the wires into the back of the coil, 1 of them should be flashing when its cranking, if solid light its the dizzy, if it flashes its the coil, if no power it could be the relay under the header tank, hope that helps, spent years playing with E series now, and ive never had a problem with a dizzy or coil from repco or scotts auto 1 so id say save ya money on a genuine 1, Personal apinion tho thats all

thanks very much guys, will give those suggestions a try, my guess is dizzy, never lucky enough to score the cheap option . Thanks again

forgot to mention, any ideas on the thermo fans?

Hi,

With the Dizzy, the electronic module is available as a separate item, it seems the heat kills them so some people put them on the inner guard. They use heatsink compound, mine died a long way from home and need a long tilt tray trip. I went for the safest option, replace the whole thing.

Cooling ? If you have a look in the " resource " section you can run some tests. The easiest way is to do the hi-speed test. There are 2 fans run by 3 relays, which are in sockets at the front Pass. side of the car. The fans dont run on start-up, that is a viscous coupled fan. If it is not overheating I would think it is OK. Run the tests for your peace of mind though. My car wont turn them on, and so I am going to change a few things. ( I think there are some Mods about that also )

Regards 96ELGli

thanks 96' the fans checked out ok so i'll move on from that, thanks again. My next issue will be getting to the dizzy, its buried under all the gas set up. doh!!! I'm not very good at this.

Hi,

Havnt done it but I have heard they are easier from underneath ( hoist ? ) I would also wind the engine over to TDC # 1 so the timing will be easier to get. There will be a number of Posts about the Dizzy swap. Have a look and you may find some good tips.

Regards 96ELGli

yep, thanks, i'll have a look around