Wont start

[Ethan]

I have a 91 Vette. Was running in the drive way then just died and will not start. Has voltage to dist. replaced coil and the little black unit in the dist. No fire out of spark plug wires, anyone ?

 

[brimis]

I had the same problem with my 84 and replaced the ignition module.

 

[Ethan]

wont start

Yeah had that tested was good even put in a old one I had still would not start think both could be bad?

 

[brimis]

I wouldn't think so. It's probably going to be the ignition pick-up coil if you replaced the ignition coil.

 

[G Winter]

did it just die or did it warn you? any missfires under load etc? did you check the rotor. they will burn through to the dist. shaft creating a dead short . If that isn't it I agree, need to replace the pickup coil.

 

[vetteboy86]

How did you test for spark at the plugs? I have heard about a tester that can be placed between your plug and wire that will determine if the plug is firing or not.


Craig

 

[afree]

I am having the same exact problem with my '88. Have already replaced the coil and ignition module. I am going to perform some test today to see if the pick-up coil is ok.
Be sure to let us know if you solve the problem and what the solution actually was.

 

[afree]

Solved my problem. It turned out to be the pick-up coil in the distributor. The sensor had basically (in electrical terms) opened up (infinite resistance). The normal resistance reading should be about 500 to 1500 ohms. The new unit that I purchased read about 800 ohms right out of the box. The easiest way to diagnose this problem is to pull the distributor cap, remove the rotary button and locate the ignition module. Then locate the two wires running from the pick-up sensor to the ignition module. Disconnect the pick-up sensor from the module and measure the resistance across the pick-up sensor connector (not the ignition module).
It should read between 500 to 1500 ohms. Also check from each connector pin to ground. Both should read 'open' or infinite resistance to ground. If this is not the case then replace the pick-up sensor.
Keep in mind you will need to remove the distributor for this process so mark the orientation of the the distributor shaft to the the distributor housing and the housing to some reference point on the manifold so you can drop it back in the right position, otherwise you will have to locate TOC and start from there. Also you will have to remove the drive gear from the distributor shaft, which allows the shaft to slide out of the housing and then remove a small C-clip which locks the pick-up sensor to the shaft. Again mark the orientation of the gear to the shaft so that you get everything back in the right place.
It's not really a difficult job but having the right tools and a good bench vice does help. Good luck.

 

[Ted Krempa]

How did you test for spark at the plugs? I have heard about a tester that can be placed between your plug and wire that will determine if the plug is firing or not.


Craig

grab one of the wires with your bare hand. Have your wife crank over the engine with ignition on. Then have her drive you to the urgent care for the cut on the top of your head.

p.s. take the other car

 

[afree]

In my previous email I made a reference to TOC this should have been TDC (Top Dead Center) but of course all you gearheads already knew that.