just stopped running while driving...
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Atlanta GEORGIA
just stopped running while driving...
I was on my way home from a little ride last night and while making the last of two turns whithin 1/2 mile of my house, the car just stopped running. I thought it just stalled (its never done before) so I pulled over and tried to start it. It cranks but won't start, tried again this morning and just won't turn over, anybody got any ideas what would cause this ?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Carmichael CA
When an engine dies without warning the cause is usually ignition. If it was fuel then there would usually be some sputtering for a few seconds. I recommend checking to make sure that the distributor is getting power. If so, then pull a spark plug and ground it somewhere with a jumper cable and turn the engine over to see if you are getting a spark. If not then your HEI needs to be replaced...it's all that stuff in the distributor cap.
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I agree on the ignition module. I had the same thing happen recently. Good luck.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Atlanta GEORGIA
Originally Posted by 82Fuelie
Ignition module. Will it start this morning ? what year is it ? 1979. Its the ignition module/ dead battery now.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 478
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From: Woodstock Georgia
Have you got 12V at the distributor? If so, how does the rotor cap and electrode look?If all of that looks good, I would say that it's the module as already suggested.
The same thing happened to me driving home from work a month ago in my `79 Firebird. It was obvious to me that it was getting no fire. The 12V wire had simply come loose at the distributor.
The same thing happened to me driving home from work a month ago in my `79 Firebird. It was obvious to me that it was getting no fire. The 12V wire had simply come loose at the distributor.
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Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Ontario
I vote also for the ignition module (the part in blue). On my former 1979 I had two failures over 10 years or so. The first was a misfire condition and I limped home. The second was a flatbed ride. Underhood heat fries the electronic circuit. It's a cheap fix and if it does not turn out to be the problem then you have a spare.
Be sure to install with di-electric grease on the bottom. This serves to transfer heat from the module to the flat steel base of the distributor.
Good luck!
Be sure to install with di-electric grease on the bottom. This serves to transfer heat from the module to the flat steel base of the distributor.
Good luck!
Last edited by Paul L; Jul 29, 2006 at 10:45 AM.
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Derby Kansas
I don't see where Thunder is saying what year it is, but if this is a points condensor setup, it might be the condensor. I had this happen on my 73 once. Turned out to be the condensor wire broke right where it goes into the condensor.
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From: Atlanta GEORGIA
1979...yep it was the ignition module...thanks everyone !
I don't remember replacing it but the one in there is an MSD brand so I must have done this before but don't remember...Can everyone let me know if spenfing the extra money for the MSD or and ACCELL module is worth it versus just replacing with stock relacment ?
I don't remember replacing it but the one in there is an MSD brand so I must have done this before but don't remember...Can everyone let me know if spenfing the extra money for the MSD or and ACCELL module is worth it versus just replacing with stock relacment ?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Carmichael CA
I don't see any reason to upgrade from what GM put in there...it's heftier than most HEI systems. So, for anything other than a vette I would suggest a more powerfull unit since you are replacing it anyway, but the ones in the vettes seem to be more than sufficient. You might want to test your plug wires and look at your plugs while you are at it.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2014
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I recently acquired a '58 and also had this problem with it occasionally dying when I took my foot off the gas, but it will restart. However, the last event it finally only restarted when we sprayed starter fluid into the carb. Is this also caused by the ignition switch?
The carburetor is running rich and the temp gauge was around 220. Also I noticed condensation on the inside of the temp gauge.
The carburetor is running rich and the temp gauge was around 220. Also I noticed condensation on the inside of the temp gauge.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Medina Ohio
I recently acquired a '58 and also had this problem with it occasionally dying when I took my foot off the gas, but it will restart. However, the last event it finally only restarted when we sprayed starter fluid into the carb. Is this also caused by the ignition switch?
The carburetor is running rich and the temp gauge was around 220. Also I noticed condensation on the inside of the temp gauge.
The carburetor is running rich and the temp gauge was around 220. Also I noticed condensation on the inside of the temp gauge.