In trying to troubleshoot my continuing intermittent acceleration lag (which is resolved by turning off and restarting the car) I have taken a timing light out with me and waited for the lag to happen.

when it finally happened I pulled over and checked the timing, ok at idle, then when I pulled the throttle partially open the timing wouldn't advance but would stop at around 18 degrees advance.

the good news is I think this rules out fuel starvation as the cause of the intermittent lag. The bad news is I have no idea what would cause the timing to go through this and then be reset again as soon as the car is restarted?

maybe it's a sensor somewhere getting reset at restart.

I've switched out the following parts in order to see if they would change the problem:

1 - Distributor
2 - ignition wiring harness (along with plugged in ICU)
3 - ECU
4 - AMM
5 - wire from coil to distributor
6 - Engine wiring harness (had to be replaced anyway)

could it be my coil?

I'm afraid I still haven't completely wrapped my mind around ignition timing but by the time I figure this out I think I'll be an expert.

any ideas would be appreciated!

thanks,

jack
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'86 245, 283,000 mi., '87 760T engine compartment burned to a crisp