ZZ502 Won't start
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
I read through this and see that fuel, compression and spark are present. The only thing I can think of is the spark is at the wrong time. So maybe something is up with the HEI drive gear? Or somehow the timing went off a lot.
You could try taking out one plug and spraying starter fluid in there. Put the plug back in and try to start it. That cylinder HAS to fire if the spark is at the right time given compression does check out.
You could try taking out one plug and spraying starter fluid in there. Put the plug back in and try to start it. That cylinder HAS to fire if the spark is at the right time given compression does check out.
Last edited by REELAV8R; Oct 31, 2020 at 10:16 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,508
From: Virginia
I read through this and see that fuel, compression and spark are present. The only thing I can think of is the spark is at the wrong time. So maybe something is up with the HEI drive gear? Or somehow the timing went off a lot.
You could try taking out one plug and spraying starter fluid in there. Put the plug back in and try to start it. That cylinder HAS to fire if the spark is at the right time given compression does check out.
You could try taking out one plug and spraying starter fluid in there. Put the plug back in and try to start it. That cylinder HAS to fire if the spark is at the right time given compression does check out.
Please keep us posted, and don't give up hope!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 138
Likes: 13
From: Alabama
Ray, My engine guy usually starts going crazy this time of year as the dirt track season has wrapped up and he is now receiving all there engines to ready for next season. He said one day this week ...So I'll keep ya posted.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 138
Likes: 13
From: Alabama
Ok... My engine guy, Ray, came by and diagnosed the problem...Seriously in like 3 minutes. Faulty HEI module. 31.00 dollars. After I installed the new module the engine fired instantly and ran perfectly. Thanks for the help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
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From: Thunder Bay
How do you explain the fact that you had spark?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 138
Likes: 13
From: Alabama
I can't explain the spark thing unless it was really poor spark. I'm positive I had spark as it was the first thing I checked. I can verify that I saw spark on a number of cylinders...Going back to the basics, It must have air, fuel, compression and spark. I, like you, learned that many years ago. Of course, I'm now 65, but with no apparent signs of dementia. I am positive that I saw spark on the several tests I preformed. Like you, I find myself second guessing the situation. It's running now, but thanks for all the help. You guys and this forum are the best I've found on the net.
Keith
Keith
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,406
Likes: 8,212
From: Napa Valley California
Congrats on finding the problem and that it was a simple and cheap fix.
How did your friend determine it was the module?
Did he test it somehow or was it one of those years of experience things that he just suspected could be at fault from the get go?
How did your friend determine it was the module?
Did he test it somehow or was it one of those years of experience things that he just suspected could be at fault from the get go?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 486
From: Loud, Raw and Dangerous 1968 327 4S in Southern California
Yes...inquiring minds would love to know!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 138
Likes: 13
From: Alabama
Well ...Ray pulled a random plug wire from the passenger side of the engine. He next stuck a screwdriver into the spark boot and held it close to the valve cover as he instructed me to attempt to start the car. He next scratched the whiskers on his 70 plus year old chin and said ...and I quote "Spark is weak to non existent. Go up to the parts store and tell them you want a module for a 79. Put the new module in and it will run fine. That's it. I felt like a dumb ***. I purchased and installed the new module and it runs perfect. Again thank you all.
Keith
Keith
