Car was running yesterday and just died. Wouldn't restart. No spark, so after some testing, I determined I needed a new ignition module. I also had a stripped bolt hole on my current plate, so I just got a new distributor froma junk yard.
put it in, and couldn't get it to run for a long time, but after LOTS of screwing around got it to run, but really rough.
So I did the Compression of # 1 cylnder at top dead center, and got the rotor to point at the #1 plug wire on the dist. and tried to set the timing. (I disconnected the tan wire thing) Only way I could get the car to idle nice was with it set at 20 degress advanced, or so said my timing light.
Gave up on that idea, and just wanted it to run somewhat normal, so went by sound of engine. Now, I get it to sound right, and stuff, but when it idles, it hunts and hunts, spits sputters, and then dies in like 15 seconds of spitering.
What is going on?


Justin

 

Justin,

what kind of yards are there around Prairie du Chicken, anyway? Did you install a new HEI module in the used distributor? Check the pickup coil and reluctor? It's pretty easy when they are out of th engine. It's also possible the distributor from the wrecked car has the wrong HEI module.

 

Schmidts Salvage is the only one I can remember for salvage yards around here.
The car will run fine with this current setup, it is just when there is a load put on it (in gear or driving) it wants to die unless you put the foot to the pedal some. Reving the engine in neutral sounds normal, no back fires or anything now.
So what the heck is going on.
Shut the car off, and like 3 min later try to start, it doesn't want to. Any help is appreciated.

No new parts were added to the salvage yard distributor.

Justin