The Merkur Club of America Forums

9 p.m. ET

where do you live in NoVa? Your problem might be something simple, like a bad TFI ignition module. Send me a PM; maybe I can help.

Jim: PM sent.

Tony, sorry that I don't have the rivet specs, but I bought some once from BAT (also from Dorsey). I also saw some that seemed awfully similar at Carlisle in the vendor aisles if that's helpful.

When you say the "shifter" is rattling, are you describing a rattle in the linkage or the perhaps the shifter knob itself. I had similar problem with one of my XRs with a buzzing sound coming from the shifter knob, which stopped whenever I put my hand on the knob; the initial solution was ...

If the idle drops when the IAC is unplugged do this: search on this site for SETTING BASE IDLE. I suspect your idle with the IAC unplugged isn't high enough, and that you should reset the Throttle Position Sensor voltage anytime you mess with the idle adjustment screw.

Paul: excellent photos! This was only the 2nd or 3rd Carlisle I've missed, and your pix helped me with my withdrawal!!

I once had similar problem with another German-brand car. Turned out to be bad ground connections. Merkurs have plenty of ground connections (mine turned out to be the negative battery-to-ground connection). Try cleaning ALL your ground connections; IIRC, Merkurs have six or seven.

Idle problem is most likely related to the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). Search for how to set it correctly and check for bad sensor. No start situation could very well be bad fuel pump. But check first for blue spark at the plug. If no spark, I'd suspect a bad TFI. These cars are known for having...

Classic bad Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) but do check for a throttle cable problem (although rare, sometimes the underhood insulation will droop enough to cause a problem with the throttle).

Best merkur mechanic in the area: Dave Planakis at Capitol Auto Care in Fredericksburg, Va. 540-889-2300.

Or give me a call at 703-239-1678. I've owned four merkurs although all gone now. I might be able to help. I live in Fairfax Station.

clean the battery terminals and cable clamps. Then re-try before buying a new solenoid.

clogged fuel filter?

Ian, i can understand your being upset, and you have my sympathies. But just for the record, i've used FedEx professionally and personally for the past 25 years or so, and can attest to their ability to deliver anywhere, anytime. Yes, they tend sometimes to be a bit more expensive than alternatives ...

Yes, all hatches will fit. The later models -- 88 and 89 -- are different only on the outside, but will fit earlier models.