Muleskinner

Ok, this is what I have so far:
Problem started when I was driving down the highway and it cut out like it stalled. I was going to pull over but it kicked back in again & I continued on.
The next day it did the same thing.
Now it will not even start. It cranks over with NO spark coming out of the coil.
So could it be the coil or something else electrical?
What is the most common problem?
The fuel pumps do work & I smell gas after trying to start it.


Thanks in advance,
Mike

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

The most common problem is the pickup in the distributor that sometimes works, doesn't work and works again just before it dies completely.
Could also be the coil, or the ICM on the driver's fender just below the hinge.
Check with a test light that you actually have power to the coil first. And that all your connections are tight and in good shape.
You can check out easyautodiagnostics.com - that's a pretty good site for test procedures

BLDTruth

Yep like Chris said the pickup coil causes this problem all the time. Mine did the same thing. I bet if you wait til tomorrow, or the next day, or even a couple of hours from now it'll start again and run fine....until it doesn't. New distributor is the best way to go, seeing as you have to pull it anyways to change the pickup. But best to verify the coil and ICM are ok first.

Muleskinner

It has been a few days and have tried to start it at different times & still no start.


I have the coil already so I will put that in and see what happens.....

Muleskinner

The problem with the distributor is the casing for one of the screws to hold the cap on is broken. The previous owner zippy tied the cap on so I will have to, eventually, get a new distributor. That could be my problem too, but the cap seems solid on the distributor.

Muleskinner

Ok, I replaced the coil and still no start.
My next step will be to replace the distributor. I would just replace the pick up coil but my distributor needs to be replaced anyway. It has a broken casing where one of the cap screws go in. Right now the cap is zippy tied.


I have another question: What is the part that goes into the engine block next to the coil on the bottom right??
It has a wire harness going into it.

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

Picture would be helpful on that one.

Muleskinner

The coil is on the left and I have that part circled. In the second picture you can see it is broken off.


Yes, I know I'm missing a bolt for the coil mount. I lost it putting it back in. I'll replace it later.

Muleskinner

Does anyone know what that part is pictured on the last post?


My guess its some sort of sensor or something like that. I ask that because I noticed it was broken off from the engine block when I replaced the coil.

Muleskinner

I'm trying to put the new distributor in and it will not drop all the way in.
1/8" will not drop in. What am I doing wrong ?? I have tried to tap it in and checking to make sure everything is the same as the old one.
It seems the last part past the ring seal doesn't want to drop in.
Anyone else experience this problem??