Someone I work with needs to find the Octane Shorting Bar on a 1996 Grand Marquis, 4.6 liter. He's getting a bad spark knock, and according to the service procedure an engineer here at work printed out, that's what he needs to try next. Any ideas? Please help ASAP.

Thanx a ton.

-Joe-

 

do not remove the bar. it will solve nothing, just mask the problem. Try cleaning/replaceing the MAF, be sure the EGR is working and the ports are clean. Use a can of BG or Seafoam.

 

I understand that, and I explained that to him. That doesn't help me, though.

He would like to know where the shorting bar is. Anybody?

Thanx a ton.

-Joe-

 

I'm not so sure any EECV vehicle have the octane shorting bar. Try to decarbon the pistons by runing water (yes water) through the intake (past the MAF, before the trottle plate) while the engine is running about 2000 rpm. this is another actual Ford procedure intended for use on Explorers and Aerostars with spark knock.

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99 F250 LD 4x4 S/C 5.4 3.73LS
K&N, Custom 2.75" dual exhuast.

 

OK, I'm getting nowhere... there is a shorting bar for that engine, I assume, because that IS the service procedure listed in the TSB we printed off the Ford service web site (an engineer got him into the system). That's what the TSB on the spark knock calls for... saw it with my own two eyes. I know more about spark knock than I ever wanted to know (I had it BAAAD on my ranger), but I don't need to know anything more about it... The guy I work with is looking for where the shorting bar (aka spout connector) is at on a 96 Grand Marquis. Anyone?

Any help in locating this connector ould be greatly appreciated.

-Joe-

 

Hey Joe -

Do you by any chance have access to the Ford Insiders club website? (http://myfseries.fordvehicles.com ) If so, they have the shop manual for the '96 Grand Marquis online. You might be able to find it in there. If you aren't, let me know and I will try to take a look at it for you.

Jeff

[This message has been edited by JDMnAR (edited 05-04-2001).]

 

I don't have access... I may try and register this afternoon, but if you could take a peek for me I'd certainly appreciate it... Thanx.

-Joe-

 

No luck in the shop manual yet - keeps referring me to another manual which isn't online!

Did find a TSB (98-10-1)relating to spark knock - assume it is the one you have already seen. If not, let me know and I can email it to you.

 

Don't be misled. She spout connector is not the same as ahn octane shorting bar. The spout disconnects the ignition module from timing advance to check base timing. Spout connectors were only used on EEC IV vehicles with an actual distributor.

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99 F250 LD 4x4 S/C 5.4 3.73LS
K&N, Custom 2.75" dual exhuast.