Spare Ignition Control Module
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 45
From: Baltimore County MD
thermal grease
Actually I have not removed it, but it looks like I will since I am noticing that white corrosion stuff around some of the edges and ICM looks a little rough like it has overheated..If their is corrosion between the ICM and the heat sink, that has to be a failure that is going to happen. The heat sink is dirty and greasy so I would like to clean it up also, so that it can do its job. I noticed this when I was looking at the coil to see how hard it would be to replace. I intend to carry a spare coil with me in addition to a spare ICM. I shop at Advance or Autozone. Could you tell me exactly what it is called and who makes it? Be specific if you can. I hear you put it on very thin, is this true? Many thanks
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,324
Likes: 6,507
From: Melbourne, FL
Autozone sells it, part number SL203.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,427
Likes: 604
From: Minneapolis Mn
That's why I asked. Sounds like something similar to heat sink past used in computers etc based on your description. Then again, I'm assuming you're referring to something 'not' used on electrical connections.
Last edited by hcbph; Mar 13, 2017 at 08:51 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,324
Likes: 6,507
From: Melbourne, FL
It's very similar to the thermal.paste for computers. Supposedly that stuff can drip for a lack of better terms, but I bet the thermal paste in cars is virtually the same as that stuff.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 45
From: Baltimore County MD
thermo grease
Your dead on about the not dielectric grease. This stuff is hard to find. Autozone 10 miles from me, will check it out after snow storm here. This product is supposed to be a white paste which I confirmed after removing ICM from my Corvette. Heavy duty thanks.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 124
Likes: 22
From: Knoxville Tn
When I replaced mine, the guy at AZ had to dig thru a box in the shelves to find the paste. It comes in a small pack like ketchup. I also got longer screws and some delrin washers (couldn't find any phenolic washers) to space the ICM and heat sink away from the head. Not sure how well that works to lower heat to ICM.
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 231
Likes: 32
From: Cumming Georgia
I was thinking of picking up a pertronix HEI III module as I'm going to do a major tune up this spring. New Rotor, Cap, High Energy Coil, Ignition Module, Wires, and plugs.
Anyone have any experience with the Pertronix Module?
D.
Anyone have any experience with the Pertronix Module?
D.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,324
Likes: 6,507
From: Melbourne, FL
When I replaced mine, the guy at AZ had to dig thru a box in the shelves to find the paste. It comes in a small pack like ketchup. I also got longer screws and some delrin washers (couldn't find any phenolic washers) to space the ICM and heat sink away from the head. Not sure how well that works to lower heat to ICM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 109
Likes: 7
That's why you use the grease to take up the small surface imperfections between the two components. Improves the thermal transfer from the ICM to the head. High heat applications sometimes use a conductive rubber compound. It's mixed with silver or copper. Not sure it would work here or be needed or cost effective. Seems like the grease does the job.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 45
From: Baltimore County MD
Coil grounding
I found the thermal paste at Autozone. Comes in a very small packet with a very small amount. ---- Just one other thing. If I plug a new coil in, by the side of the road, does it have to be attached (grounded) to the car. I am assuming it does not, just like the ICM. Removing the coil bracket is not a by the side of the road job. The engineer who designed this should be.. ...... Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,142
Likes: 117
From: San Antonio Texas
Heat Sink
Good that you found the thermal heat sink compound, but it needs to transfer that heat away from that metal bottom to keep the ICM from overheating. Electronics parts stores sell all kinds of little finned heat sinks for transistor power projects. Get one that has a flat surface about the same size as the ICM and drill a couple of holes in it to mount it to the ICM. Apply the paste between the two and you'll have a stand-alone unit. Even a piece of flat aluminum with a little larger surface area will work just fine. You just need a little extra air cooling surface area to help those power transistors transfer the heat out of the unit. Also when you replace the one on the car, put fresh thermal grease between the heat sink and the front head surface. That stuff dries up after a few years on the car.
90's 5.0 Mustangs have a similar problem with the module that mounts on the distributor. Built a spare plug-in that I carried with me that saved me and also rescued a couple of friends.
90's 5.0 Mustangs have a similar problem with the module that mounts on the distributor. Built a spare plug-in that I carried with me that saved me and also rescued a couple of friends.