Mysterious miss

***Power Hungry*** · #1 Thu, March 12th, 2009, 03:44 AM

I understand the lack of enthusiasm with older vehicles and those types of engine controls (points, condenser, carburettor, distributor, etc.) and for reliability you just can't beat newer vehicles. Even performance is available at the push of a few buttons.

What I am waxing nostalgic about was the sheer simplicity of the older vehicles, where anyone with simple hand tools and Haynes manual could work on it and repair most problems. Nowadays, you need thousands of dollars worth of diagnostic equipment and specialty tools just to find a bad $25.00 sensor. Not to mention the hours and hours of classes on diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance of today's electronic control systems.

I'm not saying that progress is bad, it just seems sometimes that things are moving too fast towards computerization. Sometimes simpler is better. Or maybe I'm just getting old.

Sburn · #2 Thu, March 12th, 2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Power Hungry

What I am waxing nostalgic about was the sheer simplicity of the older vehicles, where anyone with simple hand tools and Haynes manual could work on it and repair most problems. Nowadays, you need thousands of dollars worth of diagnostic equipment and specialty tools just to find a bad $25.00 sensor. Not to mention the hours and hours of classes on diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance of today's electronic control systems.

Very true. 30 years ago, when you did break down for bad points or whatever, with a couple of combo wrenches, and a scredriver or three, you stood a pretty fair chance of finding the problem and using your 1970's autoshop 101 skills to get back on the road.

Today, unless you happen to have a code reader or laptop/VCM with you, along with the training and skills to use it, it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that you're on the tow truck to a dealer or shop.

As for repair parts, you could be assured of finding points, wires, plugs, etc.. day or night, just about anywhere. New cars now -- it's "BOHICA" at the dealer only for a very expensive module or sensor. And you're not going to get those parts on the spot if dealer is closed for the weekend.

***88Racing*** · #3 Fri, March 13th, 2009, 03:34 PM

Ok, gryphon installed and no dtc's came up?

So maybe something got wet and dried out. Or to many key cycles.

Lars

***88Racing*** · #4 Mon, March 23rd, 2009, 09:47 AM

Ran through some good rain showers on sunday on the way home. I was a nervous nelly thinking the truck was going to start missing again. Nothing happened?

Who knows maybe the miss was a one time fluke? Or maybe a sign to get the plugs done?
Only 24K on the truck now.

Lars