Mallory ignition box overheating
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Le Roy NY
Mallory ignition box overheating
I've got a Mallory Hyfire 6AL on my 1980. It's mounted on the top of the inside wheel well on the passenger side. During our recent northeast heat wave, I lost power to the car while driving, and determined that the ignition was the culprit. It was clearly the hottest day I had ever driven the car. After cooling for a 15 min or so, it had some spark, but way off time (retarded). I ended up parking it for 45 min and then it fired up and all was well.
Has anyone had an overheating problem with an ignition box similar to this? Is the damage permanent? And finally, is there a wiring diagram handy for the original 4 pin module. I'll throw it in my tool compartment just in case.
Has anyone had an overheating problem with an ignition box similar to this? Is the damage permanent? And finally, is there a wiring diagram handy for the original 4 pin module. I'll throw it in my tool compartment just in case.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
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From: Santa Ana CA
I have a Mallory HyFire IV mounted in the same place and have never had that problem. But I live in coastal California and it never gets all that hot here.
I assume that like the IV, the VI came with a "trailer connector" jumper to bypass the system. If the problem happens again try to bypass the system and see if it runs on the points.
BTW, these systems may easily be damaged and my first one was destroyed when the auto shop jumped the battery without first disconnecting the box..., a major faux pas for my unit. Luckily, I just plugged in the jumper and drove home on the points.
I assume that like the IV, the VI came with a "trailer connector" jumper to bypass the system. If the problem happens again try to bypass the system and see if it runs on the points.
BTW, these systems may easily be damaged and my first one was destroyed when the auto shop jumped the battery without first disconnecting the box..., a major faux pas for my unit. Luckily, I just plugged in the jumper and drove home on the points.
Last edited by toddalin; Jul 9, 2010 at 12:51 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,353
From: Santa Ana CA
It's not like Mallory doesn't warn you not to do it. It's very clearly stated in their instructions. It's just that when faced with a dead battery, shops don't read instruction manuals in the glove box.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 110
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From: Le Roy NY
There is no jumper option to disconnect the box on my model. However, I'm thinking it's not the problem. The car died out again in cooler weather after driving around 25 miles. The way if faded out made me think it was a fuel problem. Like before, it fired up again after cranking. I pumped the carb pretty good and didn't smell the fuel like I should have. Also, the ignition box didn't get hot. When I finally did see fuel from the accel. pump, it ran. Just made it home before it went down again. Is this typical of a failing fuel pump. It's just a stock cam-driven unit.
