Can Having the Spout Connector Out Do Harm?

[Wolfie_85]

I say "no harm aside from fuel economy and maybe slight power loss". But someone I know says otherwise.

I have mine out, currently to manage my detonation issue. So far, so good for me. Fuel economy isn't noticeably bad, and I have no issues with power loss.

Just figured I would seek additional input.

 

[Explorin'VA]

I have been getting a SPOUT circuit open code. My trucks getting bad fuel economy and is lacking power. I tried removing the connector all together but it didn't help anything. I checked for breaks in the wires but didnt find any, so I spliced the two SPOUT wires together to bypass the connector. This somehow eliminated the codes I was getting but didn't improve the performance of the truck. If anything is just idles higher now that those wires are joined. I can't answer your question, but someone here should be able to explain more about the spout connector.

 

[Wolfie_85]

I would check my plugs, wires, MAF, vacuum lines and stuff like that for that issue. Maybe fuel filter, too.

 

[natenkiki2004]

Warning: I could be wrong about this but this is what I've come up with on my own research.


First, there's 2 connectors that are identical but serve slightly different functions.

The one closest to the firewall and EEC-IV diagnostics port is the Octane Adjust Shorting Bar. This connector will retard the computerized advance 3-4 degrees. It won't disable the computer advance, just dial it back a set amount to prevent pinging. This is more of a diagnostic tool to note if bad gas is being used or if there's a spark plug or carbon build-up problem.

The one by the ICM near the battery is the SPOUT Shorting Bar. This connector totally disables computerized advance. This is another diagnostic tool to note if there's an ICM or other problem.

Only the Octane Adjust Shorting Bar is meant to be used in service but even that is not ideal and the better solution is to fix the problem. Could be a vacuum leak, clogged injectors, bad gas, slowly failing fuel pump (not enough flow/voltage), excessive spark plug gap, carbon build-up, etc...


With that said, there won't be any serious engine problems resulting in the removal of either of these. You may get more carbon buildup or a cooler running engine due to the inefficient/un-optimized timing of the burn but aside from power loss and a drop in mileage, there shouldn't be problems.

 

[FR-425]

[MENTION=241671]natenkiki2004[/MENTION] is correct.

Running without the spout connector will get you home, but I wouldn't recommend running it like that long.

Running without the octane bar will have no ill effect.

In both cases above [MENTION=254550]Wolfie_85[/MENTION] & [MENTION=213363]Explorin'VA[/MENTION] I would be replacing the ICM.

 

[Wolfie_85]

Correcting myself here: I have the octane bar pulled. I am trying to search for an inexpensive ICM to see if it helps with the pinging. With the bar pulled and Premium fuel, it does -much- better in its current state. I even had a mechanic look at it just to double check the EGR system and a couple other obvious things (MAF, etc). I replaced the PCM temp sensor for good measure. So, I am left with no codes, and pinging. ICM won't throw a code, DPFE is new, maybe bad choice in plugs (not mine). So, I'm left with either the plugs or ICM, or a sensor of some sort that isn't yet bad enough to trip a code (doubtful).

But, like I said, it seems ok right now with my bandaid fix until the real issue reveals itself.

 

[Explorin'VA]

Replaced the icm and it still ran poorly. I took it to a mechanic. He removed the spout connecter (the one by the firewall, not by the battery) and added a ground but I'm not sure where. Made the truck drivable but made the acceleration sluggish. I'm still running it that way. Should I just trace the wires and look for a short?

 

[gmanpaint]

I would check the Injector connectors.

I had one come off (barely) and it threw a SPOUT code. I replaced the ICM just as you did before I found the bad injector connector. That drove me nuts trying to run down the issue with the same conditions your stating.