Cascade Crew

83Z28BlackBetty · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 8:15 am Post subject: new coil?

So i was just about to merge on the freeway when Betty decided to call it quits. all of a sudden. just dead.

i pull over on the side of the road and turn the key. it turned over but never fired up. smells like gas out the back(its got fuel). must mean no spark.

does this sound like bad coil? or dizzy?

is there any way to test the coil before i go out and spend the big bucks on a new one?

~JAKE Confused

blue89 · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 8:29 am Post subject:

Checking the coil is easy but you need a multimeter. If it indeed has no spark you need to rule out the ignition module by checking the coil and the pickup coil. Unless you have points?

91RSVert · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:27 am Post subject:

Now that the motor has cooled off, will it fire now?

If it does, I would suspect coil or ICM.

It not, I would suspect dizzy.

Your carbed also? So you have an HEI?

83Z28BlackBetty · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 10:18 pm Post subject:

So yeah, it still doesn't start.

yes, i am carbed and have an in-cap HEI.

How would one complete these tests with a multi meter?

If i do need a new one, what is my best bet? what coils are you all running?

~JAKE

chevymad · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 10:24 pm Post subject:

I'd be willing to bet its not the coil. Most likely its the ignition module. Take a test light, hook it from the tach terminal on the cap to a ground. Now turn the key on light should come on.. Crank it, light should flash or flicker. If the light is steady there is no signal getting to the coil. If the light didnt light at all, check the wiring to the ignition.

If there is no signal, then it is either the ignition module or the pickup. 99% of the time its the module. I usually just replace it at this point and give it a try. If you had an ecm there are more steps then this. But a non ecm HEI this will figure it out.

91RSVert · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 4:13 am Post subject:

I'm not familer with HEI style like yours, so someone else will have to help you from that.

I have a MSD coil. I have ran accel in the past and had them go out. Check around and see which brand gives you the most voltage.

Mo power! *tim allen grunt*

83Z28BlackBetty · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 6:44 am Post subject:

Wahhoooo Black Betty Bam Balam! Laughing

I just have to say Brandon, you are a genius and saved me a lot of time, frustration, and unnecessary parts! THANKS! Very Happy

it was the ICM and i had that baby swapped out and back on the road inside of 30 min! While i was at it i advanced the timing a few degrees and she seemed to liven up a little Smile

~JAKE

Schultzy89GTA · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 9:24 am Post subject:

"Master B"

Wink

-Schultzy