stalling, then no start
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Boston ma
stalling, then no start
Help...
65 fuelie just put back together, started last night and was warming up in the driveway when it just stalled and would not re-start.
Upon a little investigation, no spark from coil, tried another coil, no change. What do I chase next ?. I am running a stock distributor with a new breakerless se ignition, the ballast resistor is also fairly new. i pulled the cap and looks fine as for wiring, connections etc.
I just need to know where to start checking first...
Thanks....
65 fuelie just put back together, started last night and was warming up in the driveway when it just stalled and would not re-start.
Upon a little investigation, no spark from coil, tried another coil, no change. What do I chase next ?. I am running a stock distributor with a new breakerless se ignition, the ballast resistor is also fairly new. i pulled the cap and looks fine as for wiring, connections etc.
I just need to know where to start checking first...
Thanks....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 376
From: Mobile AL
Run a jumper wire with alligator clips from the positive battery post to the positive terminal on the coil. If you still have no spark at the plugs, then I would suspect the new breakerless ignition.
If the engine starts and runs, then you have a problem in the car wiring or ballast resister.
If the engine starts and runs, then you have a problem in the car wiring or ballast resister.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 376
From: Mobile AL
Steve, what I suggested does by-pass the ballast resister (and the car's wiring harness) to get a full 12 volts to the coil.
The easiest way to see if you have spark going to your plugs is to hook up an inductive timing light. It will flash if you have current going through your plug wires even at cranking speeds.
The easiest way to see if you have spark going to your plugs is to hook up an inductive timing light. It will flash if you have current going through your plug wires even at cranking speeds.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 376
From: Mobile AL
Sure. Just remember that to turn off the engine you will have to manually disconnect the jumper.
You've probably got the engine flooded at this point. I would hold the gas pedal near the floor while trying to start it.
Since you're under time pressure, I'll cut to the chase. I don't think it's your ballast resister. If it was, the engine would fire while the starter motor was engaged but quit when you let the key pop back into the "run" position. There is a pink wire sending 12 volts from your starter directly to the coil while the starter is spinning. You haven't mentioned your engine firing at all since it died. Breakerless ignitions do fail. And when they do fail, all you can do is replace them.
In your shoes I would hook up a timing light to make sure no spark was going to the plugs, even while cranking. Then I would return to point and condenser set-up in order to make it to the show.
You've probably got the engine flooded at this point. I would hold the gas pedal near the floor while trying to start it.
Since you're under time pressure, I'll cut to the chase. I don't think it's your ballast resister. If it was, the engine would fire while the starter motor was engaged but quit when you let the key pop back into the "run" position. There is a pink wire sending 12 volts from your starter directly to the coil while the starter is spinning. You haven't mentioned your engine firing at all since it died. Breakerless ignitions do fail. And when they do fail, all you can do is replace them.
In your shoes I would hook up a timing light to make sure no spark was going to the plugs, even while cranking. Then I would return to point and condenser set-up in order to make it to the show.
Last edited by jerrybramlett; Apr 21, 2007 at 03:47 PM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Boston ma
I was thinking on those lines...I just went out and purchased a set of points and condensor !!! I'll put them in when I get home !
I was out in the dark in the drivway last night...not wanting to push the car into the garage and held the coil wire over the cap and there was definately no spark !!!
thanks for the help, I did change the wiring harness when I did the car but it does have about 6-8 miles on it since restoration ???
And you are correct there is no sign of any firing !!!
Steve
I was out in the dark in the drivway last night...not wanting to push the car into the garage and held the coil wire over the cap and there was definately no spark !!!
thanks for the help, I did change the wiring harness when I did the car but it does have about 6-8 miles on it since restoration ???
And you are correct there is no sign of any firing !!!
Steve
