The Grey Mare (’86 240 sedan) needed an oil change. The oil change actually was uneventful.

While I was at it I decided to relocate the flame trap. The relocation of the flame trap was smooth. I extended the length of the hose from the oil trap to the flame trap “Y”. I introduced a PVC coupling. I inserted the smaller, threaded end of the coupling into hose from the oil trap. Then I inserted the flame trap “Y” into the larger ¾” id end of the coupling. I hooked up all the vacuum lines. It looked great and ran great.

I then decided to clean out the oil trap. I removed the vacuum line to the brake booster for more wrist room, unbolted the trap and proceed to scrape and spray it clean with PB Blaster. I blew it out with compressed air and reinstalled the oil trap and the vacuum line to the brake booster. I was on a roll.

So I set about cleaning the engine. I sprayed an orange oil on the engine and was about to rinse when time ran out … my wife and I were going to meet some friends for the evening. I figured I would get to the rinsing the next day. While driving to our friends the car bucked a little now and then. I figured it was from some slop that had been cut by the orange oil.

Well later she died at low speed while braking (not the same night … 3 days later). I couldn’t get it to start. She rotated like all get out but no start. Checked the stinking 25A fuse (sprayed some WD 40 in there), made sure the cam was turning (wanted to rule out broken belt?). Checked for bad vacuum or loose wires at coil, plugs etc….No go …So I towed it home.

I’ve since cleaned the engine and replaced the:
Spark plug wires, (a couple were bad !)
Plugs, (worn and excessively gapped about .042 in)
Cap and rotor (they were worn and pitted)
Coil (it was cracked and dead – primary resistance was infinite)
25 A fuse and new weatherproof holder (I went to check this and it disintegrated – Buss has a neat weatherproof mini fuse holder with cap at Wal-Mart less than $5 with fuses)
Checked the Battery connection and wires (good)

Finding all that wrong, I figured it was a miracle she was running as good as she was and I was afraid that the Old Grey Mare might suffer a heart attack from the fresh jolt of electricity she was soon going to receive.

With anticipation I turned the key! Still rotates and no start!

So,
I checked the coil primary resistance … read 1.7 W
I checked the coil secondary resistance … infinite!
I checked the secondary on my other car (running 245) same readings ??????

Is the coil bad? Is my good car’s coil bad also? (it runs fine)
Am I missing something on checking the secondary resistance?

I’m still sitting in the driveway trying to figure what’s next …. Tomorrow pm I will check for loose distributor and then check for skipped timing belt?

I have a Haynes manual and I am trying to figure what next…Do I proceed down the fuel system path?

Skills? I’ve done tune ups, ATF flush, Tranny mount change, tie rod ends, brake changes, wheel bearings…. When it comes to FI and Electronics … I’m in a whole new territory

Thanks in advance…. I’ll be checking posts until about 4pm… I don’t have internet at home.
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Happy Motoring Miguel '86 244 and '87 245