Alright, here we go again.

5 spd, 85 12A, Modified Sterling, had MSD and converted back to stock minus still using MSD Blaster coils because I lost the stock ones. Just replaced ignition switch, NGK spark plugs and wires, 7mm.

One of two things are happening.

1. The car won't shut off (the reason I replaced the ignition switch)
2. When I can get it to idle, it idles rough and up around 2 or 3k. I have done the timing a few times with a timing light.

Drives like crap and wants to die if Im not on the gas.

Im close to pushing it into the street.

 

Sounds like something with the recently replaced ign switch.

Might want to add a fuel pump cutoff switch too for a backup way to kill it.

Did you try to enrich the fuel mix? Is your secondary connector connected? What's the status of your shutter valve?

 

The sterling nikki is brand new. Mechanical secondaries. I replaced the ignition switch because it wouldnt shut off. A fuel cutoff would probably work. I just took it out again and it seems like the idle return spring isnt working. it sits around 3k or 4k while driving and idling.

 

check and make sure that after you crank the car up, the key returns to the ON position and is not stuck on the START. my friend's FC had a faulty ignition switch and it would get stuck on START which meant that the starter kept turning and it made his car rev up to 2.5 rpm at idle.......also if it is returning, check for vacuum leaks.

 

It returns to the ON position. I just put a return spring on it because it wasnt fully returning, now it wont stay running. laksjd;flakjda;

 

so it will crank just fine, and it will cut off, it just won't hold idle, right? try raising the rpms (as it was already suggested) even if it idles at 2-3k rpm, just get it to idle, and check for vacuum leaks, or a stuck accelerator cable link.

 

alright ill give it a shot.

 

well that didnt work, i found a vaccum leak and plugged it. seems like every time i start my car it does something different. now its making noises and serging like it wants to die. ive been working on it for months and not being able to drive. i am inches away from parting this car out.

 

ok check which plug you have in the back of your alternator. I accidentally put the wrong plug and it caused my car to not want to turn off. It should be a white plug, NOT green.

 

haha, nothing like hotwiring the ignition with the alternator...

A local rotary "specialist" once did that to my FB when I bought my first FB in highschool.

He took my ignition apart..spent a good few hours pondering the issue, and finally swapped plugs on the alternator. BAM!
LOL, that one always makes me laugh.

 

Gotta look at the miata and see if this will work, know way too many people with miatas =D

 

so is it holding idle now?, if it's just rocking like it's about to stall, it should be a matter of adjusting the air fuel mixture, usually leaning it out, and/or raising the rpm makes it go away, if you have to raise it past 1k then you still have another vacuum leak.

Usually what happens when something goes wrong is that people adjust the a/f or rpm to make it run right, so when they actually get it fixed, it's all f'd up, and they have to re-adjust, it's not a big problem, unless you don't know what you're doing because then you're just using the hit and miss procedure. Which is why we have this forum lol

 

hah yeah i have been adjusting all day and i must have the death touch or something.

 

Yahtzee!

Where does the green one go?