[16v] DPR/mixture/timing questions

[amalventano1 at tds.net (Allyn)]

Nate,

> throw in, but what would cause a sudden loss of signal from the DPR?

I believe if you intermittently open the circuit, the computer goes into a
failure mode where it maintains 0 mA.
Another alternative is that I think one of the limp-home failure modes results
in a constant 0mA DPR.
Third (not fun) alternative is that the DPR has an intermittent open in the
coil. It would kinda make sense, espeicially if it was heat sensitive.
Then there was the crazy crap with Dave Winchells red 16v, where the DPR had
been wired BACKWARDS by someone (positive feedback in a negative feedback system
is a nono).

> run, poorly, but run.  I don't have an adjustable advance 
> timing light, but a friend does, but is it necessary to get 
> timing set on a 16v?

I believe there is a 0 mark, as well as a 6 mark on the flywheel (opening in
tranny bellhousing) - meaning you can use a normal light on it.

> I'm going to install the new DPR and check the mixture again, 
> I've had a sneaking suspicion that it's been bad or failing 
> since I got the car.

When I first got the rieger it was doing some funky stuff like yours was. I
ended up troubleshooting by swapping major components (entire fuel / air handler
assembly, ecu, etc). Result was that the fuel distributor was crap (uneven
distribution at idle speeds).

HTH
Al