Searching for no spark problem
#1
Searching for no spark problem
So I found a few threads on engines that won't run. The closest my situation came was the engine died and then a large single backfire went out the tail pipe- this tells me that the ignition stopped and fuel was still going in for a moment. In the case of that similar thread on this board it turned out to be the guys coil. So, I started with the coil and checked it according to the manual. The resistances across the various connectors and spots on the coil checked out. But I'm still suspicious. It looks pretty well used.
Before I go much further I was hoping others might share their experience so I might know what to home in on as opposed to working my way through the entire distributor. I also have a scan tool that I bought recently but I don't know how to use it and I don't know if it really would be helpful in this situation. Do I need to remove the distributor to check the pick up coil and electronics module? Any advice and shared experiences are appreciated!
Before I go much further I was hoping others might share their experience so I might know what to home in on as opposed to working my way through the entire distributor. I also have a scan tool that I bought recently but I don't know how to use it and I don't know if it really would be helpful in this situation. Do I need to remove the distributor to check the pick up coil and electronics module? Any advice and shared experiences are appreciated!
#3
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Car: '90 RS, UH-60M
Engine: HSR'D 400
Transmission: TCI POS DONT BUY TCI!!!
Axle/Gears: Three2three
Re: Searching for no spark problem
From there, on 3 separate occasions (2 TBI, 1 TPI) the failed part causing the sudden no spark for me was the ignition module in the distributor. It's been a few years since I've sourced one so I don't know the availability. Pretty simple to replace.
#4
Re: Searching for no spark problem
Thank you both. This is helpful. I am finding, for better and worse, that most of the parts/sensors on my car are originals so I expect to eventually go through everything.
Do I need to pull the distributor to change the module?
Do I need to pull the distributor to change the module?
#7
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Re: Searching for no spark problem
Yes, it's a straightforward job. You don't have to totally remove the clamp, just loosen it enough to slide it back off the distributor. Once the distributor is removed you must remove the roll pin from the gear in order to slide the inner shaft out of the distributor body. You can then remove the pickup coil. Keep in mind that the inner shaft will most likely not just slide free because of oil buildup. Work it back and forth patiently using penetrating oil until it comes free. Resist the urge to beat on it!
Last edited by Ty92Z; 04-25-2017 at 12:28 PM.
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#9
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Car: '90 RS, UH-60M
Engine: HSR'D 400
Transmission: TCI POS DONT BUY TCI!!!
Axle/Gears: Three2three
Re: Searching for no spark problem
The last time it happened to me I went full MSD. It is quite spendy for a dizzy, 6AL, coil and wires. Haven't had the problem since though. (Over 8 years)
#11
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Car: 92 Camaro RS
Engine: LO3
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: Searching for no spark problem
Yes, it's a straightforward job. You don't have to totally remove the clamp, just loosen it enough to slide it back off the distributor. Once the distributor is removed you must remove the roll pin from the gear in order to slide the inner shaft out of the distributor body. You can then remove the pickup coil. Keep in mind that the inner shaft will most likely not just slide free because of oil buildup. Work it back and forth patiently using penetrating oil until it comes free. Resist the urge to beat on it!
Thanks, Henry
#16
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Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7L 350 TPI (Deleted Cats)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Original 3.27
Re: Searching for no spark problem
I had the no start no spark issue about 2 years ago now (feels like yesterday). Replaced the Ignition module and it started right up. And yes very simple to replace, I did it in 10 minutes. Just poped the distributor cap off and it should be right under the distributor rotor if i am not mistaken. Mine is a 1989 L98, could be different on the 92 LB9 or L98 but as far as i know the 89-92 are basically the same ignition setups for the TPI.
#20
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Re: Searching for no spark problem
Don't worry about where the manual wants the timing to be. Set it to where the engine runs best without detonation. If you run premium and it doesn't detonate and pull timing out then advance it. Let the engine tell you where it wants to run.
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