K66 Transistor Ignition Question
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Brookfield Wisconsin
K66 Transistor Ignition Question
Hi All,
I recently took possession of a 1969 L46 convertible that's been sitting since 1976. It was ordered with the K66 Transistor Ignition option. I am going to try and start the engine this spring, but have questions about the K66 transistor ignition. Are there any parts that need to be serviced or changed? It seems from the research that I've done the system either works or it doesn't. Is this a correct assumption or are there things I need to check or change before attempting to start the car after sitting for such a long time?
Thanks in advance for any help or advice anyone here can provide.
I recently took possession of a 1969 L46 convertible that's been sitting since 1976. It was ordered with the K66 Transistor Ignition option. I am going to try and start the engine this spring, but have questions about the K66 transistor ignition. Are there any parts that need to be serviced or changed? It seems from the research that I've done the system either works or it doesn't. Is this a correct assumption or are there things I need to check or change before attempting to start the car after sitting for such a long time?
Thanks in advance for any help or advice anyone here can provide.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
Nothing to 'service' in the K66. It is an electronic circuit board (inside that aluminum cover/heat-sink) with discrete components [pre IC circuit]. You can pull one plug wire and hold it close to something grounded to see if a spark jumps, if you want.
Stuff can go bad just sitting, so who knows? Just change fluids and filters, you may need to drain gas tank if not much in it. If tank was pretty full, you may be OK (not much tank surface available to get rusty inside).
Stuff can go bad just sitting, so who knows? Just change fluids and filters, you may need to drain gas tank if not much in it. If tank was pretty full, you may be OK (not much tank surface available to get rusty inside).
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Brookfield Wisconsin
Thanks 7T1,
Changing fluids and filters is on the list along with a carb rebuild. I was also going to change hoses that are under pressure like the radiator hoses. As for the gas tank, it apparently had a leak as it was empty except for rust. It did however create a tar pit on top of the spare tire carrier for me. Old tank is out (tank sticker was still there!) and a new one is awaiting filler neck and fuel sender assembly to be reinstalled. Plugs will be pulled, Marvel Mystery Oil squirted in plug holes, and I'll manually rotate the engine to make sure everything moves before trying to start it. Anything else I'm missing except having a fire extinguisher handy?
Changing fluids and filters is on the list along with a carb rebuild. I was also going to change hoses that are under pressure like the radiator hoses. As for the gas tank, it apparently had a leak as it was empty except for rust. It did however create a tar pit on top of the spare tire carrier for me. Old tank is out (tank sticker was still there!) and a new one is awaiting filler neck and fuel sender assembly to be reinstalled. Plugs will be pulled, Marvel Mystery Oil squirted in plug holes, and I'll manually rotate the engine to make sure everything moves before trying to start it. Anything else I'm missing except having a fire extinguisher handy?
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 722
Likes: 58
From: Karlsruhe (Germany)
There are no parts in the TI that can wear, despite the weight mechanics in the distributor. You could check if they move freely and snap back.
There is only one trigger coil in the distributor, in the box are 3 transistors and some capacitors and resistors. So if the engine was shut down with this thing working, it will still work.
Note: TI need a different coil, it´s connected directly to ground, and has switched positive wire.
There is only one trigger coil in the distributor, in the box are 3 transistors and some capacitors and resistors. So if the engine was shut down with this thing working, it will still work.
Note: TI need a different coil, it´s connected directly to ground, and has switched positive wire.
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Brookfield Wisconsin
Thanks for the info Z, I will check to make sure the weights in the distributor move. As far as I know everything was working when the car was parked, and nothing was messed with since then, so I'll keep my fingers crossed. I know replacement parts are rather pricey...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
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From: Texas-out west
besides all the above and fresh gas pull the plugs and shot some oil or engine fogger (autozone etc. will carry it) before start will help cylinders and prime the carb and also I would suggest you use a breaker bar to turn motor over by hand before starting to make sure nothing frozen...just good precautions. good luck
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Brookfield Wisconsin
Thanks for the replies folks,
I was planning on letting the cylinders soak for several days and turning the engine over by hand several revolutions over that time while adding more lube. And a rebuild on the carb and fresh gas, oil and filter, coolant and rubber hoses. I am concerned about the insulation on the wiring due to age and critters too, but not much I can do about it at this point without a full frame-off which is pretty much out of the question for now.
Again, thanks for the advice! I'll post results in a month or two and update...
I was planning on letting the cylinders soak for several days and turning the engine over by hand several revolutions over that time while adding more lube. And a rebuild on the carb and fresh gas, oil and filter, coolant and rubber hoses. I am concerned about the insulation on the wiring due to age and critters too, but not much I can do about it at this point without a full frame-off which is pretty much out of the question for now.
Again, thanks for the advice! I'll post results in a month or two and update...