A Roadside Fable
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: St. Augustine FL
A Roadside Fable
So I was whistling along I-95 in northern Florida in my Orange Flame '76 heading to the airport to catch a flight when the RPMs suddenly dropped out of sight. I coasted to the shoulder and attempted a re-start to no avail. One of those "Now what?" moments. She was getting fuel but no spark- simply would not turn over. I nosed around the distributor before resigning to a missed flight and arranged the dreaded flatbed to drag my sad bumpkin 60 miles back home.
The fix: Deep under the recesses of the rotor sits the control module-
Two bolts, four wire connections, 10 minutes-
Instant start-up.
Moral: Own a 'Vette- take tools when driving.....
The fix: Deep under the recesses of the rotor sits the control module-
Two bolts, four wire connections, 10 minutes-
Instant start-up.
Moral: Own a 'Vette- take tools when driving.....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: St. Augustine FL
Yes, it did come with the small packet of dielectric grease which is smeared on the underside. This 'I will leave you at the side of the road' module is available at your favorite parts store, will run you about $17, and a replacement should have a home in your rear compartment with the socket set and nut drivers.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: St. Augustine FL
Fair question....I didn't elect to take it and was dreading leaving it at the Park 'N Fly for 3 days. BUT, when I jumped into my Dodge Ram that morning for the airport ride all I got was a sad groan from the punk batteries (it's a diesel and has two batteries). So it was either the '76, the '66, or balance the luggage on my head and take the Road King. The '76 has been such a honey that I've never hesitated taking it anywhere, so it was my lifeline that day. As things turned out, the flatbed driver was a righteous dude and not only drove me and '76 home, but assisted pushing it into the garage AND jumped the Dodge. Both batteries were replaced then ($3 ...total...for disposing the old batts...which were warranteed) and I made a later flight, which flagged me as terrorist of the universe, so I was subjected to all the newest, bestest security inspections.
PS Get a module!!
PS Get a module!!
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Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Hey, lets make a list of parts to keep stored in the Vette for trips.
Serp Belt (I have serpentine)
Distributor Control Module
Coils of vacuum tubing and vacuum plugs (Assorted)
2 Spare Spark Plugs
Headlight / Taillight Bulbs (H4 and 1157 for me)
I usually keep a bottle of engine oil, ATF, and water in the car. Sometimes PS and brake fluid depending on the trip distance.
Serp Belt (I have serpentine)
Distributor Control Module
Coils of vacuum tubing and vacuum plugs (Assorted)
2 Spare Spark Plugs
Headlight / Taillight Bulbs (H4 and 1157 for me)
I usually keep a bottle of engine oil, ATF, and water in the car. Sometimes PS and brake fluid depending on the trip distance.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: St. Augustine FL
Capital Idea, DB!!
- Fuses
- Spare six-pack
- Tire Replacement Kit w/ PistolGrip!
- Mini-Compressor (saw one at Ace today for $19.95)
- Another six-pack (in case yer buddy 'discovers' the first one)
...and dont' forget the extinguisher- Amerex Halotron!
Can't think of anymore due to ...well, those six-packs....burp~
- Fuses
- Spare six-pack
- Tire Replacement Kit w/ PistolGrip!
- Mini-Compressor (saw one at Ace today for $19.95)
- Another six-pack (in case yer buddy 'discovers' the first one)
...and dont' forget the extinguisher- Amerex Halotron!
Can't think of anymore due to ...well, those six-packs....burp~
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
From the looks of your dizzy, I'd also suggest a good cleanup. That red dust on the mechanical advance is rust!
Add a rotor to your list too. HEI's have been known to blow a hole thru the rotor and put you in the "Walkin' home" mode.
Add a rotor to your list too. HEI's have been known to blow a hole thru the rotor and put you in the "Walkin' home" mode.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 2
From: Sparta Mo.
I guess I've just been dealing with HEI's for a while, The module is the VERY FIRST thing I think of when the engine shuts off like someone grabbed the key. The module has a lifespan like a timing belt and O2 sensor. Replacce it BEFORE it goes bad. Every 50-75K works for me. Like you said, cheap insurance.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: St. Augustine FL
New hi-po Rotor- check!
New Module-check!
New Dizzy Cap- check!
Dielectric grease in boots & underside cap-check!
Cleaned up spring & weight assembly-check!
Thanks for suggesting the clean-up, all that iron oxide dust serves as a conductor producing even more heat in there. Maybe a new hypo dizzy is a consideration...
Fabulous Sunday for t-topping it here in Florida!
New Module-check!
New Dizzy Cap- check!
Dielectric grease in boots & underside cap-check!
Cleaned up spring & weight assembly-check!
Thanks for suggesting the clean-up, all that iron oxide dust serves as a conductor producing even more heat in there. Maybe a new hypo dizzy is a consideration...
Fabulous Sunday for t-topping it here in Florida!
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
It happened to me,,,,pissed me off too. Peace,,,Moosie 