Ok, here's what happened. I have an '85 Z-28, 305, carburated. About three weeks ago, I got stranded at work. No spark. I bought a new coil, rotor and cap and she fired right up. Been running great until this afternoon.....stranded again....no spark again. I put a new coil in and she fired right up. My question is, maybe I got a bad coil three weeks ago? What burns up a coil other than age? I'm kinda scared to drive her now. h-e-l-p...

 

Ignition control module.

It's bad, and taking out your coil.

 

Actually the ignition is non-electronic HEI. I guess I should've mentioned that, huh? Just a little stressed right now.

 

Same answer.

 

Duh...I know what you are talking about now. Like I said, I'm a little stressed and wasn't thinking before. I read coil module but saw ECM (don't ask). Thanks. I'll get one tomorrow.

 

Actually, I said "control" module...

Is the parts store still going to be there tomorrow?

 

I hope so. Ivan skipped us and is in Mobil AL now (unlike Frances and Charlie). Of course the new one "Jeanne" seems to be on her way here now. Is there no end?!?

Ok, is the "control module" the little chip under the rotor or am I confused again?

 

Yes. The control module, or just the "module" is that little crescent moon shaped thing screwed to the floor of the distributor. remember to put the supplied dielectric grease to the bottom of the new module, per instructions, before installing it. Very important to do this if you want to module to live a long and happy life.

Also, might want to make sure you're actually getting a full 12V+ to the distributor coil while you've got things apart. Low voltage doesn't make the HEI a happy camper.

 

I just replaced the module and put the thing back together with the coil that was "bad" last night. Apparently the coil never was the problem. Everything is working fine now (knock on wood). Thanks everybody for all the help. :hail: