C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

1989 Vette - Distributor Ignition Module

Old 07-29-2012, 09:52 AM
  #1  
glewis954
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
glewis954's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2012
Location: Dania Beach Florida
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 1989 Vette - Distributor Ignition Module

Distributor Ignition Module - does this need a conductive gel as part of the install? I purchased a module from a local parts store, but I didnt
get one in the kit.

Thanks
Old 07-29-2012, 11:01 AM
  #2  
raiderz
Pro
 
raiderz's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2010
Location: Hamilton Ontario
Posts: 617
Received 15 Likes on 10 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by glewis954
Distributor Ignition Module - does this need a conductive gel as part of the install? I purchased a module from a local parts store, but I didnt
get one in the kit.

Thanks
Yes...use dielectric grease and spread it on the bottom plate generously. Just did mine a few weeks back
Old 07-29-2012, 11:54 AM
  #3  
glewis954
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
glewis954's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2012
Location: Dania Beach Florida
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks .. I thought I was missing this when I purchased the mod
Old 07-29-2012, 12:11 PM
  #4  
Hooked on Vettes
Melting Slicks
 
Hooked on Vettes's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 1999
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 0
Received 34 Likes on 30 Posts

Default

You want to use a heat sink thermal paste/grease. Usually
White in color. This allows the ignition control module to transfer
the heat to the distributor base.

Available at Radio Shack or most electronic stores.

http://www.radioshack.com/search/ind...+compound&sr=1
Old 07-29-2012, 12:26 PM
  #5  
higgyburners
Le Mans Master
 
higgyburners's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2010
Location: Eugene Oregon
Posts: 8,019
Received 17 Likes on 13 Posts
I believe in the Beer Fairy
St. Jude Donor '15,'19

Default

Originally Posted by Hooked on Vettes
You want to use a heat sink thermal paste/grease. Usually
White in color. This allows the ignition control module to transfer
the heat to the distributor base.

Available at Radio Shack or most electronic stores.

http://www.radioshack.com/search/ind...+compound&sr=1
I agree dont use the dielectric grease for this job, Use the Thermal paste.
Old 07-29-2012, 02:44 PM
  #6  
raiderz
Pro
 
raiderz's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2010
Location: Hamilton Ontario
Posts: 617
Received 15 Likes on 10 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by higgyburners
I agree dont use the dielectric grease for this job, Use the Thermal paste.
Probably explains why my module burned out after 26 years....should have used the thermal compound

Originally Posted by Hooked on Vettes
You want to use a heat sink thermal paste/grease. Usually
White in color. This allows the ignition control module to transfer
the heat to the distributor base.

Available at Radio Shack or most electronic stores.

http://www.radioshack.com/search/ind...+compound&sr=1
If you are going to go to that extreme...you might as well get the silver paste called "Arctic Silver" ....the white stuff is good for diaper rash
Old 07-29-2012, 03:02 PM
  #7  
higgyburners
Le Mans Master
 
higgyburners's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2010
Location: Eugene Oregon
Posts: 8,019
Received 17 Likes on 13 Posts
I believe in the Beer Fairy
St. Jude Donor '15,'19

Default

Its more than likely thats what your car came with, I just changed mine out and the new one came with thermal heat sink paste. Dont take my word for it do a search here on the forum....if you feel the need to be vindicated.
Old 07-30-2012, 10:54 AM
  #8  
JohnMC1125
Cruising
 
JohnMC1125's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2011
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Quick question fellas. I have heard this module can be behind hard to start and no starts on hot days or when the car is hot. Is this true?
Old 07-30-2012, 11:07 AM
  #9  
TorchRedlt4man
Drifting
 
TorchRedlt4man's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2005
Location: Chicago Executive Airport, formerly known as Palwaukee
Posts: 1,329
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
No-IL Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17

Default

Yes, that is correct.

There are other items that will cause a hard to start/hot day/hot engine no start.
Old 07-30-2012, 09:41 PM
  #10  
WW7
Le Mans Master
 
WW7's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2007
Location: WV
Posts: 8,731
Received 398 Likes on 318 Posts

Default

A bad ICM can also cause the engine to shut off and stop running at any time "Like on the highway going 70 mph"..Ask me how I know.......WW
Old 07-31-2012, 06:51 AM
  #11  
glewis954
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
glewis954's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2012
Location: Dania Beach Florida
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by WW7
A bad ICM can also cause the engine to shut off and stop running at any time "Like on the highway going 70 mph"..Ask me how I know.......WW
ICM is this the same as the ECM the Electronic Control Module. Also does anyone know were it is in a 1989.. Haynes manual shows it on the side of the radiator... Its not there.. Dont tell me its in the dash...
Old 07-31-2012, 07:47 AM
  #12  
Keystring
Drifting
 
Keystring's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2006
Location: Canandaigua New York
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

On my 87 it's between the right fender and heater box.
Old 07-31-2012, 08:40 AM
  #13  
glewis954
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
glewis954's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2012
Location: Dania Beach Florida
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Keystring
On my 87 it's between the right fender and heater box.
Ok.. I have check the right pass side .. I see were the heater core and the fender there is nothing.. one the side of the heater core housing next to the engine. There is two wire connector going in to the housing
could this be the ECM?? can you send me a pic of your ECM location ..
glewis954@aol.com
Old 07-31-2012, 09:38 AM
  #14  
Keystring
Drifting
 
Keystring's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2006
Location: Canandaigua New York
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Just to clarify.. the ECM (Electronic Control Module) is not the same as the ICM (Ignition Control Module)..

The ICM is under the distributor cap.

The ECM (or computer) is under the right side of the dash.

If you are talking about the ESCM (Electronic Spark Control Module)..

It's on the right side of the blower motor housing,left side looking from the front....(at least in my 87)


Last edited by Keystring; 07-31-2012 at 09:41 AM.
Old 07-31-2012, 09:49 AM
  #15  
glewis954
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
glewis954's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2012
Location: Dania Beach Florida
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Keystring
Just to clarify.. the ECM (Electronic Control Module) is not the same as the ICM (Ignition Control Module)..

The ICM is under the distributor cap.

The ECM (or computer) is under the right side of the dash.

If you are talking about the ESCM (Electronic Spark Control Module)..

It's on the right side of the blower motor housing,left side looking from the front....(at least in my 87)

Keystring
Thank you.. I have located all of the items.. ICM has been changed..
ESCM - ordering.. I am going to check for the ECM now.. Does the ECM
have to be programed if I purchase a new one???
Old 07-31-2012, 10:04 AM
  #16  
Keystring
Drifting
 
Keystring's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2006
Location: Canandaigua New York
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by glewis954
Keystring
Thank you.. I have located all of the items.. ICM has been changed..
ESCM - ordering.. I am going to check for the ECM now.. Does the ECM
have to be programed if I purchase a new one???
Quite honestly, I don't know.. I've never had to change one.
Old 07-31-2012, 10:15 AM
  #17  
glewis954
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
glewis954's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2012
Location: Dania Beach Florida
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Keystring
Quite honestly, I don't know.. I've never had to change one.
Thank for the information..

Get notified of new replies

To 1989 Vette - Distributor Ignition Module

Old 07-31-2012, 10:22 AM
  #18  
TorchRedlt4man
Drifting
 
TorchRedlt4man's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2005
Location: Chicago Executive Airport, formerly known as Palwaukee
Posts: 1,329
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
No-IL Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17

Default

No programming is necessary.

You will need to remove your PROM (chip) from your old ECM and install in the new one.

Very easy to do.
Old 07-31-2012, 10:46 AM
  #19  
glewis954
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
glewis954's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2012
Location: Dania Beach Florida
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by TorchRedlt4man
No programming is necessary.

You will need to remove your PROM (chip) from your old ECM and install in the new one.

Very easy to do.
TorchRedlt4man
Thank you for the information..
Old 08-01-2012, 01:46 AM
  #20  
Cliff Harris
Race Director
 
Cliff Harris's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2002
Location: Anaheim CA
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 0
Received 341 Likes on 312 Posts

Default

The ICM (Ignition Control Module) is inside the distributor.

You need to move the MEMCAL from the old ECM to the new one. It holds the program that runs your car. It's under a cover on the ECM housing held on by two 1/4" hex-head screws. It looks like this:


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: 1989 Vette - Distributor Ignition Module



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:59 PM.