[billm75]

Hey guys,

I did search this, but didn't see the answer I was looking for. Forgive me if this has been covered before.

I have an 83 El Camino with the 305 engine. I was working on a tune up today, replacing the plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor.

Having some experience with this much, I knew to be careful with replacing the cap and rotor and the wires. I'm 99.9% sure I didn't switch any wires up and that I didn't turn the distributor when replacing the cap and rotor.

HOWEVER, now it will crank and crank and crank, but will not fire over and start. I checked power to the coil and it's good. I checked for spark at the plugs and didn't find any.

Is this a bad or weak coil by any chance? Is there another way I can check the coil? Is there anything else I should be looking at?

Thanks!

 

[Lindsay]

Couple of quick checks.

I'd make sure the cap is sitting squarely on the base plate of the distributor. Also, make sure you have a good connection with the batt lead to the cap.

 

[Matty man]

Yep, check the little carbon tip that goes under the coil and sticks through the cap to the rotor button,, I am assuming it is a HEI cap,, did you replace that carbon tip? Matty man

 

[billm75]

I did replace the brush and spring under there. I also went and got a new coil just to be sure. Now, it fired up and ran for about 2 minutes, then shut off and isn't starting again. I put the old rotor back in, figured I'd put everything back the way it was, and see if I could figure out what I did wrong.

Putting the old rotor in made it start the one time. Now, nothing once again. I'm puzzled as hell. It shouldn't be that difficult should it?

 

[Matty man]

It shouldn't be that difficult should it? --- Nope, dont ya love Murphys Law?? Check the ground strap(metal one under the coil cover) and rest of the wire leads for good contact and ensure the metal prongs for the power and pick up coil and module are entack, I have had a wire break on the module before,, pull the module and have it checked at a parts store, if it is bad repalce the pick up coil along with it,, Matty man

 

[billm75]

I'll have to dig a little bit and check all the leads and module, etc. But I put all the old parts back on (not the plugs/wires) and still nothing.

Is there any possibility that this is just an unlucky coincidence and has nothing to do with the distributor at all? I'm stumped.

 

[Matty man]

Before you changed the cap and all the cruck ran correct?? Check the module,, it is a crank no start with no spark correct?? And you have a full 12 volts for the power lead?? Keep pluggin` away,, I have had these type of problems before,, you`ll get it,, besides this is my 1000 post!!!!!:nanawrench::nanawrench:

 

[billm75]

It always ran well prior to this. I had a little trouble starting this afternoon before I changed the plugs, but figured it was no big deal. It fired right up after plugs/wires, but not much since. Started and ran once for about two minutes.

Another member told me to try the module too. Where is it located? I can't find it in my haynes manual.

Congrats on the 1,000th post!

 

[billm75]

I found it, never mind. LOL Had to keep reading and re-reading the book.

If I replace the module, should I go ahead and replace the condenser as well?

 

[gwgdog66]

Should look like this.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/pa...erByKeyWord=ignition+module&fromString=search

 

[billm75]

Should look like this.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/pa...erByKeyWord=ignition+module&fromString=search

It does. I just couldn't find it in the manual at first. I'll be heading to Autozone tomorrow to pick it up along with a condenser I guess, and report back when I get it replaced.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[gwgdog66]

It does. I just couldn't find it in the manual at first. I'll be heading to Autozone tomorrow to pick it up along with a condenser I guess, and report back when I get it replaced.

Thanks again everyone.

I had it happen on my 87 GMC SWB Sierra Classic the last time I did my cap & rotor. Drove me nuts too.

 

[billm75]

Strange that it would do that with new parts installed.

Either way, it's a good way to keep me humble. If I would have been successful right away with the tune up, I would've thought I hadn't lost a step.

 

[ccc]

did you put the carbon button in before or after the rubber washer. i saw a guy put it in last and had the same no start. the button goes in first

 

[ccc]

also did you transfer the ground tab as they dont come in the new caps

 

[Roy!]

Back in the day I had a '79 Impala wagon with a 305 - the module went out once at a stop sign! After replacing it I always carried a spare. Used the spare when the module failed again with family in the car - it was a life saver!:nanawrench:

 

[billm75]

CCC - I did put the button in the right way. However, the first go-round I forgot to transfer the tab. Transferred it, and still nothing.

 

[ccc]

make sure you ohm the pick up coil before you run for parts to make only one trip

 

[84caballeroguy]

I'm putting money on the module as well. Those darn things are a mind puzzler when it come to the vehicle not running... Heck worse case scenario you'll have a spare once it does get going again.

 

[billm75]

Heading out to get the parts today. Module and Condenser. We'll see if that brings this thing around or not.