 OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
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Anyone???? My 97 F150 has been flashing the "check engine" light recently...my code reader is for my wifes old Lincoln and does not cover the new(1996) OBD II ...
Any one got one kickin around collecting dust????
If so, could use it for a week or so???
Thanks
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I know you can get the codes read at Autozone for free, if you have those out there.
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
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we do! and I'll have to look into that! thanks!
In the mean time I have not given up hope on borrowing one!
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 265
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Google your truck, I can get the codes from my jeep just by turning the ignition key on and off three times, then the check engine light flashes, just count the flashes and you have the code. Not sure if Fords do this.
Good luck
Wendell
"Reality is for people who lack Imagination"
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
My old Impala had that as an "annoyance screen". The cure, turn on the ignition, step on the throttle three times (or was it two?), turn off the ignition. Presto, light's off when you start next time. Apparently the odometer trips that idiot light to get you to the dealership. Might be different with Ford, Autozone is an easy check up.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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these new cars and their codes??? isnt it amazing that something as simple as not haveing your gas cap on correctly can send a check engine light on??? its usually a map sensor or fresh air problem. mine turned out to be catalytic converter clogged. but i think something as simple as gas cap is a little much. try disconnecting the battery and then connect and see if the light go's off, maybe the brain just needs resetting???
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Posts: 1,284 |
The ONLY thing that will make your check engine light flash is a hard missfire. The code will be po 301- po 308 for cyl. misfire. The light flashes (under load I assume) because you are pouring raw fuel into your catalytic cinvertor. I'll bet you have about 100,000 mi.(or 200,000,or 300,000). The platinum plugs need to be changed at 100,000 mi. intervals also individual coil packs(I believe on that year, maybe not)could be bad. Give your vehicle a tune-up and get the light cleared you'll be good. The cheap OBD II scanners are about $50, money well spent.
PM me if you get jammed-up. I'm in charge of a huge fleet of Fords and would be happy to help out.
Good Luck, Paul
Strangler
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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No he doesnt need the codes, he needs a newer reader to read his model truck
This happened to me not too long ago....i bought the code reader at walmart and just returned it when i was done...no questions asked...if they do ask, say it was the wrong type for your truck and thats it.
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
You can get them for under $100 now,Actron makes several basic models. I have the OBD-2 program/cable for my laptop, its more sophisticated but also under $100 (obviously, you need a laptop). I bought it in '97 and he (Alex Peper) has been updating it ever since. OBD-2 Code Reader Program for Laptop
Al
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,307
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,307 |
if it is flashing it is a emissions code. If you go to Autozone and get it scanned dont just replace the part that is throwing the code. They are sensors and if something is not right a sensor will pick something up and alert the driver that somehting is worng. If I had a dollar for ever 02 sensor that was replaced caue of a 02 sensor code only later to not be the problem i would be rich
Dont like what you see??? Big red X in the top right of your screen will fix it!
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
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got the code read at Autozone turns out to be p0420 a bad Catilazation in bank 1 possibly caused by a bad cat, a mis fire, a leak of oil into the cyl. thru the valve seals....I "borrowed" their reader for a second and reset the codes...
Yes Paul it has 191K, and I know it need some tune up work....for one it PINGS like crazy on 87 oct...and sometimes 89 (from a cheap gas station)
Thanks for the offer...I may just take you up on it....Sad but in "my day" wrenching on a car was a ball...back when points and a condenser were std tune up parts...Holly dbl pumper. Offy intake, hedmen headers, crane cams....
Now you need a Lap top just to work on them....How DO I fix the ****** timing on these new fangled thingies anyway...
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I bought one on Ebay for less than $50 delivered to my door. Even included a carry case & extra long cable. It has paid for itself many times over.
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
I bought one on Ebay for less than $50 delivered to my door. Even included a carry case & extra long cable. It has paid for itself many times over.
They are indispensible with these new cars. But, you really need the factory shop manual which walks you through the typically lengthy diagnostic analysis for each code. Without the manual and a multimeter to check sensors, you are still just shooting in the dark.
On the other hand, most times just replacing a suspected sensor or two in your garage is still FAR cheaper than having just the diagnostic work done by your local dealer
Al
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
.How DO I fix the ****** timing on these new fangled thingies anyway.
Um....a new chip.No more playing with it Rob, those days are gone (unless you get a classic to play with).
OBDII checks all the emission systems and anything that can affect emissions on the vehicle. It takes much less than a misfire to set a code turning on the light. Any sensor reading out of spec will turn it on.
The case of the gas cap is the check for atmospheric leaks of raw gasoline. It does this by pulling a slight vacuum on the tank about fifteen minutes after the engine shuts off and checking to see if it holds to a certain spec. If it doesn't, that's a leak and on goes the light.
Your's? Since you reset the light, do the tune-up, check the plugs for ash (same as the old days  ), and see if it comes on again. If it does and you don't have any evidence of oil burning, it's probably the cat.
Oh, BTW. OBDII codes are standardized.
Last edited by bigbill; 03/27/2008 10:15 PM.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
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Check out this site-- Ford F-150 I get all my info there,,,,,,,,, 
________________________________
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_WXxYGyRas
Noli Irritate Leones
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62 |
A loose gas cap on KIA used to set off the check engine light and it could be too tight or not tight enough. I have reset enough of those (My friend and his wife each had one).
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
You need bigger main jets Rob. maybe change to Rotella oil at the same time. 
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
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already using rotella...what size jets???? and what of the filter...Ihear the STP one is made by bosch
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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nah, he prolly just needs a new cadillac converta.
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284 |
The gas cap will set an evap system leak code indicating that the ecm detected a drop in vacuum within the fuel /vapor system system during it's periodic drive cycle test. Rob's initial post indicated that his check engine was flashing which can only be caused by a hard misfire. I'll bet by flashing he means it comes on stays on until he turns the ignition off, then comes back on when his malfunction(po420) resets the malfunction indicator lamp again. This can happen on older cars unlike newer cars which hold the code until manual reset.
PO420 is a catalyst efficiency code set when the upstream(front)o2 sensor and the downstream(rear of cat)o2 sensor show identical readings indicating no catalyst activity. Rob's complaint of pinging (and,I'm guessing,a lack of power) could be attributed to a partially clogged cat. We don't even know if Rob's vehicle has the 4.6L or the horrendous V-sucks. Rob, if you're out there PM me and we'll talk,you're only a state away.
Strangler
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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After reading all this, I am really glad that I only fool around with and love antiques. Nuts! And here is my rant.  In 1964 I could buy a chevy full size truck with a small block engine. Milage would be about 18. Forward 40 years, buy a full size chevy truck, with ten miles of hoses, electronic moniters, computers and dilitheum chrystal modulaters and your milage will be? About 18. Progress! (Yeah, yeah, I know, lots more comfort and accessories on the new vehicles. Still!)
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284 |
Quote:
After reading all this, I am really glad that I only fool around with and love antiques. Nuts! And here is my rant. In 1964 I could buy a chevy full size truck with a small block engine. Milage would be about 18. Forward 40 years, buy a full size chevy truck, with ten miles of hoses, electronic moniters, computers and dilitheum chrystal modulaters and your milage will be? About 18. Progress! (Yeah, yeah, I know, lots more comfort and accessories on the new vehicles. Still!)
But today's vehicle will still run great after 200,000 mi. and pollution has dropped 98% per vehicle. I'm not a tree hugger but I am concerned about my carbon footprint. 
Strangler
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Good point. In the 70's, keeping a vehicle until it hit 100k was virtually unheard of (or they simply rusted apart by that point). I wonder how folks will be restoring the classic new, Hemi-Challenger 40 years from now? Quote:
But today's vehicle will still run great after 200,000 mi. and pollution has dropped 98% per vehicle. I'm not a tree hugger but I am concerned about my carbon footprint.
Al
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Yeah, I suppose you're right.  I still think the milage could be a lot better with all that scientific crap bolted on! 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
My '95 Ford Explorer check engine light has been coming on for the last 3 years or so. Oil Pressure, Water temp is fine so I don't worry about it. I figure it has someting to do with Catalytic converter, 02 sensor or something. When I change the oil I put the little sticker over where the check light comes on so it doesn't shine in my eyes at night..
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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yep i joke around about that all the time, i had a 49 ford that got a pretty steady 21-22mpg inline 6 and all that steel. today i got a v-6 pontiac and am lucky if i get 21mpg, nothing really changes. alot of talk and nothin gets done 
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I'd ride my bike all day, everyday even if it got only 5 mpg. Funny how that works!  
Strangler
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62 |
My Studebaker gets great gas mileage too. 185 CI flathead inline 6 "Victory 6" with a 3 spd on the tree. Only problem is you can't use the winshield wipers over 50 MPH. At that speed and above hit the gas and they go up let off and they come back down! LOL Love that car.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
I'd ride my bike all day, everyday even if it got only 5 mpg. Funny how that works!
So true! I'm with ya there! 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
I think I'm just a little grouchy cause two of my toys gets lousy milage. My 85 Jeep and my 48 Chrysler Windsor both get about 10 MPG! Ouch! Luckily, by most funner toys, the two trumpets, get 40 +. But then I still get busted by my gas bill cause I ride the dogshoot out of them. 40 miles a gallon does no good if you fill the 3.5 gallon tank nearly every day! Whiiiiiine! 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62 |
Quote:
The gas cap will set an evap system leak code indicating that the ecm detected a drop in vacuum within the fuel /vapor system system during it's periodic drive cycle test. Rob's initial post indicated that his check engine was flashing which can only be caused by a hard misfire. I'll bet by flashing he means it comes on stays on until he turns the ignition off, then comes back on when his malfunction(po420) resets the malfunction indicator lamp again. This can happen on older cars unlike newer cars which hold the code until manual reset.
PO420 is a catalyst efficiency code set when the upstream(front)o2 sensor and the downstream(rear of cat)o2 sensor show identical readings indicating no catalyst activity. Rob's complaint of pinging (and,I'm guessing,a lack of power) could be attributed to a partially clogged cat. We don't even know if Rob's vehicle has the 4.6L or the horrendous V-sucks. Rob, if you're out there PM me and we'll talk,you're only a state away.
I understand Paul was just saying the 2 crappy Kia Sportages my friend had,if the cap was too tight or too loose the check engine light would come on and stay on until I reset it in the computer. I have CAN OBD II reader among other tools I need in my trade. Just saying on some cars the stupid gas cap will in fact trigger it.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: OBD II Code reader???
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
After reading all this, I am really glad that I only fool around with and love antiques. Nuts! And here is my rant. In 1964 I could buy a chevy full size truck with a small block engine. Milage would be about 18. Forward 40 years, buy a full size chevy truck, with ten miles of hoses, electronic moniters, computers and dilitheum chrystal modulaters and your milage will be? About 18. Progress! (Yeah, yeah, I know, lots more comfort and accessories on the new vehicles. Still!)
Yeah, but in between, say late''70s, you would have about forty miles of hoses, first gen HEI, and get about 10mpg 
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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