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Car will not start

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Old Jul 29, 2002 | 04:17 PM
  #1  
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Default Car will not start

Hi All

I have a 1976 Corvette with everything standard, no modifications.

Car refusing to start, no apparent spark to plugs. Checked and replaced the coil can car started and ran for couple of weeks.

However, car now refuses to start once more and same conditions seem to apply, no spark to plugs.
Have used Haynes car manual to verify that all parts are functioning correctly, namely Pickup coil, ignition coil, but unable to test the ignition module, Could this be the problem, as everything else seems to be within specification ?

Testing of the coil in the Haynes manual does seem to be so easy, information given did not tie up.

I would be grateful for any suggestions as to the cause of the my problems

Thanks
Grant
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Old Jul 29, 2002 | 04:25 PM
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Default Re: Car will not start (GrantY)

Yep. That HEI ignition module is a common cause for no spark problems. Not too expensive to replace, even if you're not sure if it's bad. Make sure you use plenty of the dielectric grease underneath it.
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Old Jul 29, 2002 | 04:27 PM
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Default Re: Car will not start (GrantY)

I have a 77, and had a similar problem. You'll have to excuse me, I can't remember if your 76 has HEI or not. Although I'm pretty sure it does.

For me, it was the ignition module, the black, C shaped thing that sits inside the top of the distributor and has wire terminals coming out of each side. As I am told, these things can be pretty fragile. So you have to handle them right. They can be damaged by impacts etc.

They are easy to replace, and they don't cost an arm and a leg.
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Old Jul 29, 2002 | 04:31 PM
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Default Re: Car will not start (joeveto)

I have a 77, and had a similar problem. You'll have to excuse me, I can't remember if your 76 has HEI or not. Although I'm pretty sure it does.
If it's the OEM ignition, it's an HEI. They first appeared in 1975.
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Old Jul 31, 2002 | 12:47 PM
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Default Re: Car will not start (Neo Fender)

As suggested purchased a new module will let you know how it goes.
Thanks for the tip on the grease

Grant
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Old Jul 31, 2002 | 01:04 PM
  #6  
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Default Re: Car will not start (GrantY)

Grant, use the grease that comes with the new module, but DO NOT use dielectric grease!!!!! This has been disussed on the forum in recent past, and the special heat barrier grease is NOT dielectric, but some other compound, and just can't remember what it's called for sure..........Auto parts stores probably carry this special grease, but be sure you indicate it's for the ignition module installation.
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Old Jul 31, 2002 | 01:11 PM
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Neo Fender
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Default Re: Car will not start (john's '81 mouse)

Grant, use the grease that comes with the new module, but DO NOT use dielectric grease!!!!! This has been disussed on the forum in recent past, and the special heat barrier grease is NOT dielectric, but some other compound, and just can't remember what it's called for sure..........Auto parts stores probably carry this special grease, but be sure you indicate it's for the ignition module installation.
The new module will come with a small tube of the "grease". Many parts store clerks will try to sell you an additonal tube of grease ($2-3). I don't if recall if it is or isn't dielectric but obviously you don't want to apply it on any of the contacts, just underneath the module.
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Old Jul 31, 2002 | 01:41 PM
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Default Re: Car will not start (john's '81 mouse)

Grant, use the grease that comes with the new module, but DO NOT use dielectric grease!!!!! This has been disussed on the forum in recent past, and the special heat barrier grease is NOT dielectric, but some other compound, and just can't remember what it's called for sure..........Auto parts stores probably carry this special grease, but be sure you indicate it's for the ignition module installation.
Correct you want to use a Thermal paste to help disperse the heat from the module. Available at electronics stores.
Scott
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Old Jul 31, 2002 | 01:51 PM
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From: bklyn ny
Default Re: Car will not start (GrantY)

have you checked your starer ? you might have a bad connection , make sure the ground is connected. i have seen this happen on a 67 vette where the negative cable was melted off by the exhaust which inturn caused the car not to start.
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Old Jul 31, 2002 | 02:23 PM
  #10  
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From: Houston Texas
Default Re: Car will not start (GrantY)

Most parts houses, AutoZone, Hi-Lo, will check your module for free.
New one is about $20.
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