1980 Ford FiestaFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Cold Start Spark Advance System: Testing

  1. Remove SDV from vacuum hose and reconnect hose. Connect a "T" and vacuum gauge at distributor vacuum hose. Remove vacuum hose from bottom port of CSSA PVS and plug port.
  2. With engine at normal operating temperature and idle, vacuum reading should be zero; if not, replace CSSA PVS. Reconnect hose to CSSA PVS. Remove vacuum hose to top port on CSSA PVS and plug port.
  3. Check vacuum reading at distributor. If vacuum reading is 2 in. Hg or less, the cooling PVS is good. If vacuum reading is more than 2 in. Hg, remove the top vacuum hose (hose going to carburetor) from cooling PVS and plug port. If vacuum reading is still greater than 2 in. Hg, cooling PVS is defective and should be replaced.
  4. With engine running at idle and transmission in neutral, momentarily open throttle (1/2 open). Observe vacuum gauge for a quick rise and fall as the throttle is opened and closed. If vacuum is noted, CSSA system is good. If no vacuum is observed, check vacuum hoses, PVS's, SDV's, and carburetor port for plugging and correct as necessary.
    Fig 1: Cold Start Spark Advance (CSSA) System
    G09343110Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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