What'd I break when I changed my thermostat?

[Madd Hatter]

For a while now my 93 ATX has been getting crap mileage and a great loss of power. I replaced the fuel filter, nothing. New MAF helped the performace about 50%. New 02 sensors, nothing. Still bad mileage. Car never gets to operating temp, I decide to replace the thermostat. Now the car's running more like it did before I replaced MAF i.e. s****y! Is there something the coolant may have spilled on? Surely the MAF isn't fried already. I smell fuel a lot more than I used to also. Not verified, but my mileage is surely still bad. What gives?

 

[AutoSHO]

Did you remember to plug the MAF back in? Check the wiring to the ECT (and/or change the sensor, as it could cause bad mileage). Also check the wiring directly below the thermostat as sometimes they will get corroded.

Also, reset the ECU.

 

[pjtoledo]

You stated the engine was running cold before the T stat change,,How about after? How many miles, How old are the plugs and wires? Pull any codes?

Perry

 

[Kevin Ryan]

If you've had a defective thermostat for an extended period the exhaust may be plugged. This is caused by the engine never reaching operating temp caused by the thermostat being stuck open. This causes the engine to run on a rich cycle all the time which will cause the cat not to heat up to correct temp, wich causes the cat to carbon up, break apart and plug the mufflers. IE the engine can't breath.

<small>[ December 27, 2003, 02:39 PM: Message edited by: Kevin Ryan ]</small>

 

[Shuey]

how many miles on ur sho? stock O2 sensors?

 

[Madd Hatter]

171k miles. The temp gets to about the "L" in Normal if you give it long enough. Before it took 45 mins to break above the blue section at "C". So apparently better, but still not how it should be?

Plugged the MAF back in, only it runs exactly like it did before I put the new one in, so I'm just wondering how it could be fried. Idle's rough, power is completely gone again, bucking and surging, got 175 miles on the last tank!!!!! This thing got 360 when I bought it!

Plugs and wires are almost certainly ancient. O2's were just replaced (stock units). Didn't know there was wiring below t-stat, will check that and the ECT.
The plugging of the cat is very likely best as I can tell, but this happened all at once, all of a sudden, right after changing the t-stat, so while it could be a problem, I don't think the cat is the cause of things now.

<small>[ December 27, 2003, 06:06 PM: Message edited by: Madd Hatter ]</small>

 

[Madd Hatter]

OK, n/m, moot point, the car went up in flames today. Engine bay is toast, may have gotten to parts of the dash, I haven't seen yet. Are there people who would have a use for the carcass or should I just have it towed straight to the yard I wonder.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

I'm figuring by Wonderland you're either from Revere or Maine. If it's Reveeeeeah, send me an email and I can offer you a couple of options mailto:[email protected][email protected]</a>

 

[AutoSHO]

Sounds like it was the cats!

 

[Madd Hatter]

Mr. Anonymous:
I'm figuring by Wonderland you're either from Revere or Maine. If it's Reveeeeeah, send me an email and I can offer you a couple of options mailto:[email protected][email protected]</a>

Oh geez, I'm such a tool, I filled my profile out in jest, it was just a play off my name. I'm actually in Central Iowa, which I imagine will make it even more unlikely to get rid of. Heck, I can't even find a flatbed to get it towed! Maybe I'll just go put a sign up on it "Tow it out of here and it's yours".

Just for ***** and giggles, I'll link some pics of the damage whenever I go back and get some.

 

[WakaShoMan]

Madd Hatter:
OK, n/m, moot point, the car went up in flames today. Engine bay is toast, may have gotten to parts of the dash, I haven't seen yet. Are there people who would have a use for the carcass or should I just have it towed straight to the yard I wonder.

RIP, '93 ATX. Sorry to hear the bad news. frown

 

[oldsho]

I'm in central Iowa. Email or call me.

Greg
249-0029 cell
280-8026 work

 

[93redATX]

Does the body have rust? If not, shoot me an email

mailto:[email protected][email protected]</a>

<small>[ December 30, 2003, 04:53 PM: Message edited by: 93redATX ]</small>