EEC3 System to DuraSpark System?????

[junky]

I have a 1980 Mark VI with a 351W EEC3 system and am having a timing problem. I've replaced my timing chain and my Harmonic Balancer, but the problem still exists.

A friend of mine who is a 34 year Master Tech for Ford has suggested getting a different Carb, Distributor & DuraSpark Pack to change my system. He says this is an easy change over and not too expensive.

He also said that when EEC4 came out, Ford told their techs to tell ppl who were not in warranty anymore that they did NOT work on EEC3 systems.
Has anyone done this before or does anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you,
Michael

[pro-five-oh]

I talked to the local L-M mechanic here, and though he absolutely hates EEC-III they will still work on it.

The only problem is if you have the tripminder computer (with all those buttons on the center of the dash) you will need to add fuel flow sensor to get your computer to read gas mileage correctly. EEC-III has that self-contained.

Still, I'd recommend you switch over too.

[junky]

Thanks Pro,

We have run back everything and matched my system up to a running Mark VI and all my marks are right on. My Cat's aren't blocked and everything else is good.

We found a bunch of ground wires that were not connected correctly when someone installed a heater core. We believe that either that or a spike to the computer itself when we hooked up a jump box to the battery has fried the computer itself.

The shop he works at now will still work on EEC III too, but they prefer not too. The only reason he took this on the side is because I know NOTHING of the EEC III system. Otherwise I would have done it myself.

I will probably go ahead and make the switch over in a couple of months after I get some extra cash around. But for now, I want to get it running first ya know.

Thanks again,
Michael

[pro-five-oh]

A good way to test for EEC-III power is to find your fuel pump relay and stick a test light into the battery and EEC wires. I did that for my 83 Continental and found out that EEC-III was still supplying juice to the fuel system. My car still doesn't work though, so I know what you are going through. http://www.lincolnsonline.com/ubb/frown.gif

There is a good book about Ford EEC systems called "How to tune and modify Ford Fuel Injection" (???) and it even goes over EEC-III. There was a guy on Ebay selling an entire EEC-III system for $10...so finding parts for your Mark won't be that difficult. Yet, fixing the problem will only reinforce your wishes to throw EEC-III in the trash.


[This message has been edited by pro-five-oh (edited April 09, 2001).]

[sportinsco]

pro-five,,,, my man!! its me sportinsco with an 1982 Conti... I know you own the 1983 model Conti which I believe is a fuel inj vehicle correct? or is it VV carb like mine? I believe my 82 has the Duraspark system. My fuel mileage is all whacked out but it seems to be getting a signal of some sort,, you mentioned the fuel flow sensor, could ya tell me where I can locate this on my Conti?? I know it has be around 10 mpg

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1986 Mark VII LSC

1982 Continental Signature Series

[pro-five-oh]

Dude,

Yep, my car is EFI and has no fuel flow sensor...but your sensor is bolted to the carb. You can find it near the front of the intake on the passenger side.

More than likely your fuel flow sensor is busted. If your gas gauge is accurate, you might need to disconnect and reconnect the Tripminder...I had that problem with mine and rebooting it did the trick.

Later!

[Big Manny Garcia]

I would get rid of that VV carb and spark system also. I had two 80 Continentals about 9 years ago one 4 door and a 2 door Both with the VV carbs the 2 door one ran great and everything worked on the EEC III system while the 4 door one would die all the time and was unsafe for driveing with the system like that i had it switched over you will be alot happier with the car once its done.

Tony garcia

95 Lincoln Town Car Sold Now own 97
90 Lincoln Continental
89 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe

[sportinsco]

Thx for the advice guys,,, I figured the VV system was junk since ford didnt stick with it long,,, I was thinkin of strippin all the emmisions stuff and goin 4bbl carb set-up from the 85 Mustang HO, maybe swap the heads.. Id love to go dual exhaust but most ppl seem split on the issue of whether or not it will fit on a conti...

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1986 Mark VII LSC

1982 Continental Signature Series

[sportinsco]

Ive pondered the conversion from stock VV to 4bbl set up and Ive noticed Ill lose my Trip comp funtions,,,, Im not fond of that idea.. Any of you think its still possible to rebuild the VV ??

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1986 Mark VII LSC

1982 Continental Signature Series

[pro-five-oh]

Originally posted by sportinsco:
Ive pondered the conversion from stock VV to 4bbl set up and Ive noticed Ill lose my Trip comp funtions


You wouldn't lose 'em all, just the ones that pertain to fuel flow: DTE, F/ECON, etc. I'm not fond of losing functions either and that's why I'll never put a 460 swap in it...though that would kick ass!

I think that you could re-use your fuel flow sensor on any carbureted system. As far as wiring, it only interfaces with the fuel gauge and the computer. That's what my EVTM says. http://www.lincolnsonline.com/ubb/cool.gif

[sportinsco]

Originally posted by pro-five-oh:
You wouldn't lose 'em all, just the ones that pertain to fuel flow: DTE, F/ECON, etc.

But those are among my fav functions lol