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ignition modules failures 81

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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 01:20 AM
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Default ignition modules failures 81

my original ICM lasted 70k miles.
in 20k miles i have had 3 failures.
anyone have any idea why?
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 06:32 AM
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Are you using Heat Sink Compound on the back of it? And just for clarity... heat sink compound is not dielectric grease.
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 08:38 AM
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For sure use the grease as mentioned but also replace rotor with a good quality item. If you see rust like deposits on advance weights the coil is arcing through the rotor and can strike the module causing it to fail over time
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 09:00 AM
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Originally Posted by 78anniversary
Are you using Heat Sink Compound on the back of it? And just for clarity... heat sink compound is not dielectric grease.


THIS!

When I was a mechanic the modules came with clear grease, dielectric. Took a while before people, and the companies, realized it was the wrong grease. I built computers so I knew the problem right away but many still used the packet that came with the modules.

If the grease is solid white, or grey, then its probably ok. If not sure go to a Microcenter, frys, bestbuy, or a computer repair shop and ask for CPU heatsink thermal grease. You don’t need the most costly and it takes a very small amount; don’t overdo it.


Also what name brand are you using? Many come from china now so the quality is not as good as it use to be.
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 09:33 AM
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Be sure to buy a quality module and not Autozone, etc. brands.
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 11:39 AM
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all mdules were GM parts.
Used the supplied grease, and the this last one
heat sink compound. (white paste) it was still wet when I removed it.

I don't see water in the distributor?

The new one I bought yesterday is from O'reilys (has a lifetime warranty.}off brand.
came with a packet of grease.

Only non stock item in car is a hyperchip.

should I use the suppied grease?
thank you
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 11:44 AM
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I bought heat sink grease from Radio Shack. It doesn't sound like the grease is your problem though.
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 11:47 AM
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I do have a copper lead cap and rotor.
I have changed every thing out in dist. Mag pickup and condensor.
coil, all OE parts.


this is frustrating.
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 11:51 AM
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Make sure the cap you have has the grounding strap for the coil.
This was an early design change of GM.
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by noonie
Make sure the cap you have has the grounding strap for the coil.
This was an early design change of GM.
the metal bar piece? I don't understand?
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