OK, I did a search on this and couldn't find anything...

I have determined that I am getting weak spark.
Plugs are new.
Cap and rotor are new.

I recently picked up the MSD coil used, so it's possible there is a problem with the coil....but:

I'm beginning to suspect a problem with the dist. It doesn't move up/down or left/right much ... but it DOES rotate clockwise/counterclockwise about 1/8" - 1/4" while the 'stem' doesn't move at all (once the retainer has been tightened normally). I figure this at least would affect the timing, but could this also be causing the weak spark?

I've found that the computer shows that (when hooked to a scanner) it's bouncing around rich/lean a bit at idle...but once I accelerate to around 2500-2700 RPM, it bogs down and will not rev more...all the while the scanner reads it as rich.

 

No one has run into this before????

 

If it's worn out enough to be able to spin while bolted down, I'd bet it may have something to do with your weak spark as well. You're sure the plug wires are good?

I had a similar problem and decided it was just time to upgrade to an msd distributor because I didn't have time to screw with it. That fixed the problem. Alternatively, you could pull the distributor out and rebuilt it for cheaper than buying a new one.

 

Thanks for the reply.

No, the plug wires are new.

I actually swapped out the distributor for one that was used but 'worked when pulled'. Does the same exact thing. Looks like I'll be swapping out the coil (MSD) for a stock one. I'm thinking that the MSD is producing enough juice to power it to 2500 rpm or so and then it' gets rich because the coil cannot produce enough power... That's my theory anyway. It idles like nothing is wrong.

Outside of that, I can't seem to figure out what may be causing my problem. Anyone have futher ideas?

 

Is it possible your distributor gear or cam gear is worn?

I donno if it is a "Spark Energy" problem, the distributor might be firing retarded.

Thats just a guess, its probably not that, but its better to check something stupid and maybe fix it than have no idea and the car running like crap.

 

Hmm... wouldn't setting the car to 8* advanced (base timing) indicate when the [/u]plug[/u] was firing...thus it wouldn't matter? Second, your thought would not cause a WEAK spark - just a retarded one, right? The spark was weak as tested with a snap-on tool that checks the power of the spark in the plug wire. It definitely wouldn't be the distributor gear since the same thing has happend with two different distributors (gear wasn't swapped over).

*crosses fingers* I really hope it's the coil. I'll know for sure tonight. Wish me luck!

 

Hmmmmm.......Those were off the wall guesses, I know. I was talking about a retarded spark, not a weak one, but in light of this new information, that would render my guess completely useless. With that tool, can you test the coil wire itself and see what it says?

I am guessing you have the "Vantage?" My co-worker has it, it is usually wrong when it tells us to test things, so be careful with it. Its a PITA.

Good Luck.

 

You know what? I didn;t think to have him check it. Not sure if that tool normally is designed for that, but it wouldn't have hurt to ask.

Quote:

I am guessing you have the "Vantage?" My co-worker has it, it is usually wrong when it tells us to test things, so be careful with it. Its a PITA.

Good Luck.

Thanks again. Not sure what his tool was called, but 'vantage' doesn't sound familiar. He used a snap-on scanner to find that my O2 sensor is a bit lazy...but working. The other snap-on tool was just a small retangle object with a wire that clipped around the plug wires. He could roll a **** and see if the spark set off the light.

 

The vantage can check the coil.

 

ever find the problem??

 

Just replaced it. I don't think that it was causing a problem but better safe than sorry I guess...