Rich Mixture problem solved!!

["Greg McNair" <gmcnair@domain.elided>]

Hey folks, a lister reminded me tonight that I haven't updated the solution to
the rich running problem my 84 spider was suffering.  Yes, it is solved, and
thus why I'm asking other questions about the car, such as windshield and
speedo cable postings.

My first task was to swap a friends fully functional AFM into mine to see if
this corrected it.  It did not change the performance at all.  Next, I
replaced the following, noting no change in performance after replacement of
each:

Thermo time actuator/switch
Temp sensor
Throttle position switch
4 new injectors
4 new intake boots
All new rubber from the AFM to the intake
Oxy sensor
4 new plugs
4 new plug wires/coil wire
Checked valve clearances, all were within spec tolerances
Checked compression on all 4 cyl's, all were above average for age of
rings/engine

So as a last resort, I called my friend back over with his 85 Spider.  I
pulled his AFM again, put it in my car, and voila, rich mixture problem is
GONE.  To be sure, we put mine in his, and his car ran exactly as rich and
poorly as mine had.  Some combination of the replaced parts and the AFM cured
my ills.  I sure wish I knew which it was.  I do know the TPS did not travel
smoothly across it's "rheostat spectrum".  Feels like there's sand inside the
unit.  That's about the only way I can describe it.

The replacement AFM should be here by the weekend, so I anticipate putting
many (s)miles on it over the next few days.  Now it's on to replacing bushings
in the suspension, and prepping the car for a new coat of shiny paint.  I saw
a black spider on one of the recent postings of a 2002 AROC concours, and I
drooled at the reflection seen in the hood.  One of these fine days, mine too
will reflect more than the occasional tossed wrench.  And when I get my speedo
cable replaced, I'll know exactly how fast I'm going up to 85.  After that,
the trooper will have to tell me, and he'll look at me funny when I choke and
say "No kiddin', that fast?  Dang, where do I sign so I can get a copy of that
proof ?!?! "

If anyone cares to see the improvements I've made, including the polished cam
cover, I have posted pics of the engine and interior here:
http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?selected=71870

Greg, 84 Spider
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