Engine Stopped While Adjusting Timing
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Fishers IN
Engine Stopped While Adjusting Timing
So, I was recurving the distributor on my 78 L48 today using the latest instructions from Mr. Lars. Everything was going smoothly and the engine was running fine (even took it for a small test drive). While making a small final timing tweak the engine just stopped. Turns over, but will not restart. Waited 20 minutes and nothing. Held pedal to floor (thinking it might be flooded) and nothing. Fuel is getting to the carb (I can see it when the accelerator is pumped). Has to be distributor, right? Can’t imagine what would have caused it to just shut down (and not want to restart).
Last edited by kbacklund; Jul 21, 2018 at 10:45 PM.
Melting Slicks
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So, I was recurving the distributor on my 78 L48 today using the latest instructions from Mr. Lars. Everything was going smoothly and the engine was running fine (even took it for a small test drive). While making a small final timing tweak the engine just stopped. Turns over, but will not restart. Waited 20 minutes and nothing. Held pedal to floor (thinking it might be flooded) and nothing. Fuel is getting to the carb (I can see it when the accelerator is pumped). Has to be distributor, right? Can’t imagine what would have caused it to just shut down (and not want to restart).
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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check the advance springs in case they fell off. you could mark the base where it is then back the distributer off a little to see if it will restart as well
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Jul 22, 2018 at 06:52 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
cagotzmann is correct and I think he is referring to the connectors at the dizzy cap. If you want to see what s going on inside, remove the coil dust cover (3 screws) then you can inspect all the connections. The front two "clips" are Tach on the left, Hot Wire on the right. Behind those are the modules clip..
Because you were turning the dizzy while setting the timing, I suspect a connector popped loose.
Because you were turning the dizzy while setting the timing, I suspect a connector popped loose.
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Fishers IN
Checked fuses, power to dizzy, connections, springs, and eventually spark at #1 plug. All good. Tried to start it after and she fired right up. Could have fixed a connection in the process. Or maybe it was just flooded.
Last edited by kbacklund; Jul 22, 2018 at 10:03 AM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
Issue- code letters: kbknd-78 New parts / No Start Issue.
Resolved by owner, no assistance needed.
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Resolved by owner, no assistance needed.
Charge of $119 waived.
How do you wish to NOT make your payment?
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Jul 22, 2018 at 10:26 AM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 58
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From: Fishers IN
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Like cagotzmann said, had to be the wire connections after you played with the innards. As you saw, there are sooooooo many wires to a HEI Ign system and some are hidden under the rotor. The module I believe has four by itself.
Next time you feel like playing with the dizzy, remove the coil dust cover. All four corners of the coil get a attachment bolt, only but one corner will have a black Grd wire under the bolt / screw cap. Its important that under that wire is bare metal for a proper Grd. The coil may have a epoxy paint on it and will need a light sanding or wire brush to assure a excellent contact.
Next time you feel like playing with the dizzy, remove the coil dust cover. All four corners of the coil get a attachment bolt, only but one corner will have a black Grd wire under the bolt / screw cap. Its important that under that wire is bare metal for a proper Grd. The coil may have a epoxy paint on it and will need a light sanding or wire brush to assure a excellent contact.
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