LarryD

Ok, so all of a sudden it won't start intermittently... It turns over fast but won't fire.. It finally quit altogether so now I can work on it.. No spark but new distributor, new ignition module, new coil, new plug wires, new plugs... Soooo, was thinking it is the ignition switch and I have one to put in tomorrow night. But have I overlooked anything (other than the new parts above and ignition switch or computer) that would cause the starter to run but no spark to start??? I noticed before that if I disable the start relay or VATS that it won't run the starter so I don't think those are the problem... I want/need to get it running tomorrow night and want to make sure I have any other parts I need (don't mind having spares if I buy something I don't use).....

Thanks...

project89

iTrader: (1)

check for power to the coil first.
second what brand of ignition moudle did u get, chances are if its not a real ac delco it died on u

LarryD

Thanks, I put in what is called a Richporter Technology Distributor from OReilly Auto Parts and it came drop in ready with an ignition module. I did have to put in a new coil after that because it was shorting so I suppose it could have damaged the ignition module.. I think my old one was still working (replaced it due to the reluctor coils and wires brittle and cracked). Will check the coil for power tonight (any idea which wire is power?) and then will put in the new ignition switch tonight also.. For many years I have had that persistent and intermittent starter click problem which I have never been able to cure.. Two nights ago I was also getting some starter click when it wasn't starting intermittently.. Since I was getting some starter click and when the starter did run I got no spark, was thinking it is probably the ignition switch as the only common point between the two...

LarryD

Well, I did replace the ignition switch but that wasn't the problem.... It was the ignition module even though it was a new one (few months old).... Thanks for the comments...

TomP

For the module- you used the heat-sink grease it came with, right?

LarryD

Yup, I am actually an electrical engineer so know heatsink grease thoroughly... I had a coil go bad (also a new one) just after I put in the new distributor so I think it damaged the ignition module...

ItstillaV6

If the ignition module is bad, the tach will stay at "0" RPM, when cranking the engine over.

I replaced my distributor 2 years ago, and got an Autozone reman. The distrubutor is great, but even with the heatsink grease under my module, the module still went bad.

Next time you turn your engine over, watch your tach. If it doesn't move off of "0", or jumps sporatically, then suspect the module. If you can find an MSD or Accel one availible, I would recommend those brands. The ACDelcos are good modules, but lose spark after roughly 4500 RPM. I had an Accel module in an 80 Malibu, with a SBC, that performed well. I also went with the matching coil as well.