Dead Coil..... Again

[Subfixer]

The issue of a dead (overheated) coil was being discussed this morning on the other forum and just like that, mine died again from heat while I was returning to work from a lunch break. :cry

As least it happened now and not halfway to Carlisle. I think I'll get 2 coils and keep one in the car for a backup.

It never ends....... :ugh

 

[BarryK]

dead?
did you try mouth-to-mouth recesitation?
sorry, couldn't resist.

sorry for the trouble you had but as you said, better now than on the way to Carlisle!

 

[Subfixer]

Didn't even try. This is the third time this has happened to me since I got the car. The symptoms are getting a little too familiar, but I know when it's dead. No sense beating a dead coil........

 

[Kid_Again]

Hmmm.....not right. Are you sure it's from heat? Are you absolutely sure you have it wired correctly and you are using the "correct" coil. With AC and SP headers, it gets REALLY hot under the hood with the big block and I've had no problems. One stupid wiring mixup on my part (WHERE'S VNV WHEN YOU NEED HIM????) and I fried a new coil in a day.

 

[Gerry]

Hmmm.....not right. Are you sure it's from heat? Are you absolutely sure you have it wired correctly and you are using the "correct" coil. With AC and SP headers, it gets REALLY hot under the hood with the big block and I've had no problems. One stupid wiring mixup on my part (WHERE'S VNV WHEN YOU NEED HIM????) and I fried a new coil in a day.

I cooked the petronix coil on my car after the engine swap. It was oozing oil up out the ignition nipple. Went to a blaster II coil and no more problem. I got other problems.

Good luck,
Gerry

 

[Subfixer]

Swapped out the coil, points and condenser...... Not the problem. Car still wouldn't start, so I moved the throttle while looking down the carb. No Gas!!

This is really weird as the fuel pump, filter, fuel lines and tank are all new. I haven't had a chance to diagnose this yet as I'm waiting for the tow truck. I'll let you know what it was. At least I have a spare coil now.

BTW, there's some discussion on the NCRS forum about GF-90 fuel filters having the flow arrow backwards. Could this cause a fuel flow problem?

 

[Subfixer]

Got the car delivered back home, took the family to dinner and started work when we got home. First shot at the throttle and the car started right up.

Between the time the car died and the tow truck came to get it was 7 hours. Would not start and had no gas to the carb when the tow truck came. 3 hours later, now I have gas.

Fuel pump is pushing gas like no tomorrow. Running 7 psi. Changed the fuel filter and I'll drive some tomorrow to see if I can make it die again. Hopefully it was a bad/clogged fuel filter.

 

[67HEAVEN]

Bizarre.

Did you install a new sending unit as well?

 

[Subfixer]

Used the old sending up because it still works. Changed out the sock/screen thing.

 

[jerrybramlett]

I would check for a hose that is swollen near-shut internally either under the gas tank or on the suction side of the fuel pump.

 

[Subfixer]

Thanks Jerry. Both hoses are new, but I'll check them anyway.

Only 2 days to Carlisle.... Hope I make it.

 

[Subfixer]

Happened again today at lunch. Coming back to work......6 mile drive.... Same thing. Died at the entrance (maybe the car is trying to tell me something). Seems to be related to being stuck in traffic. I had to wait several cycles of the traffic light before turning into work.

This time I had some tools in the car.

Again, no gas in the carb. Pulled the carb inlet hose and gas was there under pressure. Tapped the fuel bowl and could hear the float bouncing around. The only thing I can come up with at this point is the inlet needle is getting stuck closed when the carb is hot and I'm idleing. Probably some crap or something stuck in there. Will pull that out and swap it for another spare needle/seat I have.

Hope that fixes it.

 

[66 Red Rocket]

Mounting Position

Subfixer, Did You Mount Your Coil Standing Up (vertical) Or Laying Down (horizontal)? Coils Mounted Laying Down Will Leave Some Of The Windings Exposed Out Of The Oil And Will Eventuialy Overheat And Short Out. A Vertical Coil Has All Its Windings Submearged. I Hope This Helps. John

 

[Subfixer]

John, Coil is in it's original vertical position.

Not fixed yet. Changed the needle & seat and ran the car but it stopped again. Finally broke down and re-tested the fuel pump while it was hot.... Only got 1 psi and less when it finally died. Looks like a new fuel pump tomorrow. Talk about last minute....... 1 more day to Carlisle.

 

[Subfixer]

Finally found the culprit.... The fuel pump was broke. The pin that the pump lever pivots on was missing (fell out) and the return spring for the lever broke in two. I think the spring was the only thing that was making it work the last couple of days until it gave up the ghost.

New pump is in and everything seems to be OK.

Onward to Carlisle in the morning (with my support truck close behind).

 

[67HEAVEN]

Subfixer,

I'm glad you found and corrected the problem.

See you soon.