Code 18

[emo666]

I'M REALLY--REALLY LOSING PATIENCE with my Bronco.. OUICK HISTORY---rebuilt engine-put a set of "supposedly good heads on---BAD coolant Leak--passed all the tests, compression, 150 lbs pressure thru spark hole, etc. Thought it was a manifold gasket leak-changed gasket 2nd time. Still bad coolant leak. Bought a set of brand new heads which are now installed. Ran codes KOEO pass 11---KOER---"18"--77and 74.. Lopping bad and missing----BUT get this---If I remove the "spout it will idle high and rev reasonally well but shake.
What's "18" that says in my book spout circuit grounded, no tach reading yet it's working. Where do I go from here????

 

[rtg143]

It could be the START wire is always hot or is has power off and on while the engine is running. This will send the timing back to base timing and could cause an error 18.
You could try removing the start wire from the TFI module to test it.

 

[emo666]

start wire

It could be the START wire is always hot or is has power off and on while the engine is running. This will send the timing back to base timing and could cause an error 18.
You could try removing the start wire from the TFI module to test it.

Where do I find the start wire and TFI module--and how do I test it --
P.S. while watching the timing mark I can see the computer advancing the timing before it lopes then returns and idle goes back up- not the other way around.