I am having ignition problems with my TPI setup. I need help ASAP, I need to get this truck on the road today if possible.

I pulled my distributor to replace my pickup coil and my reluctor ring (had a small crack). I marked everything when I pulled it out. It still didn't seem to want to drop in in the same place. So I manuallly found TDC and set the distributor. (I found TDC on the balancer and with a spark plug gauge)

I start the truck and timed it to 8* BTDC. The motor runs fine as long as the timing circuit is disconnected (like when you time the motor) When I turn the truck off and reconnect the circuit and start the truck it runs horribly and then dies. I can't figure out WTF is going on.

I replaced my module, ECM, and EST but none of it helped any. I am not 100% sure my spare EST is good but I know that the module and ECM are good.

I went looking for loose wires and things but I am at a lose. I can't figure out anything to get this thing to run right.

Why would the motor idle fine with the computer timing disconnected and not with it connected. It ran perfectly before.

I am getting no codes from the ECM. Only 42 when I disconnect the timing circuit, but that is normal correct.

Thanks
Harley

P.S. The setup is a 88 MAF TPI on a stockish 350. Painless harness.

 

Double check your wires and polarity and such. Make sure everything is pluged in and not playing you a mean joke. Loose grounds can do similar stuff.

 

Are you able to have it dle long enough to see whether the timing it advancing or retarding?

I noticed you said painless harness...this is a swap from another vehicle? Has it ever run right since this was all installed?

 

The TPI is in an '85 K5 Blazer. It was swapped in about 10 months ago and was running fine till I decided to replace the pickup coil. It has ran great for awhile, I have just had problems with modules going out so I was putting in a new pickup to see if that might be a cause.

I can really tell if the timing is retarding or advancing.

Is it possible that the pickup coil is sending the wrong signal to the module?

It is a brand new AC Delco pickup coil.

 

welcome to my world...i'm having similar problems with my 57 chevy w/tpi..also a painless harness..mine did same thing i have replaced same stuff including the esc mod..no luck..mine only runs bad after it warms up..its not a ground problem....the other day i was running it and i tapped on the computer box while it was warmed up and running. and it started its thing..even when i disconnected the timing wire...it didnt do that before..i'm going to replace my computer..i think thats the problem..there is little else left..on mine when it runs bad the light flashes ...no code tho?..let me know if you find the prob..before i do
max

 

Anybody else have any insight? I really need to get this thing running good. I have hunting season in only 2 weeks. Thanks

Harley

 

Same problem here.Accel computer tpi 350
Was running fine with non computer dist. Changed to a computer controled dist .Ran fine.Set timming ,everything OK .Connected bypass wireand engine died.Could not keep it running.Changed
modual in dist.It ran long enought to check timming.
Timming was all over the place.20 degrees advanceand 20 degrees retard.Never did fine the problem.Switched back to non computer dist .works fine again

 

i found that if i tap on ecm while running it runs bad all the time even with timing wire disconnected..where before it only ran bad warmed up...i'm looking for a 165 ecm anyone?..if that doesnt do it ..i will go to a regular hei...
max