Hey everybody, in addition to the blown xr8 not starting, I have an EF II futura that has an intermittent fault under load.

It feels like a harsh rev limiter (ie power stops, but also feels like the engine pulls the car backwards...), but just sounds like your average heavy missfire (no backfiring at all), and it is only there under load (anything more than a 110cruise kind of load), when it is hot. If it means anything the car is automatic.

I believe it has something to do with the ignition system, as the ever-useful diagnostics mode tells me that I am not using any more fuel than last time i drove it, and you would think that an injector shut-off would affect fuel usage).

Any ideas?

If its the gearbox, I'm buying a $500 T5 on ebay, and selling my 20,000 k old auto for $1500...

thanks
Ben

You'll find that one or more of your leads is burnt. Mine exhibited the same symptoms as you describe. Apparently arcing leads are a problem on EFs...mines on its third set of leads in 6 years.

well thats a relief...

Unfortunately my car isnt here at the moment, its in brisbane.

So how hard is it to change these?

and is it possible that it could be something else that could stop altogether with continual use?

thanks
Ben

spark leads mate are a piece of piss, but with ef's they're under the plenum, which can be a bit squeezy to get to.
i wrapped all my leads up in split convoluted tubing to try to minimise any arcing.

i have the same problem took it to a dyno and they sed the ignition is breaking up, its the dizzy or coil he sed to me...chances are ull need to replace more then just the leads....

ive tried replacing everything cept the dizzy/coil

my EB done excaltly the same thing, i changed to eagle 9mm leads and ngk 'r' series plugs. never had the problem again.

Yeah I'd say its ignition leads too. Same description fault as my XR8 had. One of the leads was burnt and split.

Easy to change. Must take the airbox out for easy access to the coil packs. Spark plug side is easy as pie.

do repco deliver parts? Because after (if) the car makes it to repco its gonna be a bit hot to work on.

So you guys reckon I should get plugs and leads?

Should I ask them to bring a coil-pack along as well in case plugs and leads dont fix it?

cya
Ben

depends what a coil costs.

how far is your repco? i drove to mine and bought plugs and leads came home popped the bonnet for 15 mins and it wasnt to hot to change them, just maybe have a rag handy to protect your fingers cause there will be hot bits