Reply to "Mangusta Engine Pull"

The resealing of the intake didn't fix the problem but you'll never believe this. After reinstalling the intake and in the process of reinstalling the distributor (removal was not necessary but I removed it for more working room), several plug wires became detached from the distributor cap. I can't be sure but I think 1 of the spark plug wires was in the wrong firing order position. I redid the firing order from scratch and the car's been running like a champ! Another member from the Detomaso Archives who's been trying to help me troubleshoot told me that he had a similar problem when he first purchased his Pantera. It ran (I don't know how bad) but didn't seem like it was running correctly and he discovered that his firing order was off. Can an engine run just about normal with a slightly incorrect firing order? I've never experienced this, usually when my firing order is off the engine either doesn't run or back fires a lot. In any case, my goose is running fine . . . at least for now!

I also kept getting a coolant leak at the thermostat housing. After 2 failed attempts at it, I remembered hearing that the Mangusta didn't come with a thermostat installed. Mine was also missing the thermostat when I first removed the engine. It seems that the housing is a one off that isn't machined for the thermostat which causes it to leak when installed. Reinstalled the housing without the thermostat and the leak is gone!

As I said, this car is fighting me every step of the way but I'm getting near to the end. What a learning experience!