[Blazin72]

So I was driving home from a good night of hot rodding around and having a generally good time when at about 3:30 this morning I heard several pops and the engine died. I coasted off the highway and tried to start it again and it kinda stuttered but never started so I investigated what I could in the dark and without a flashlight and never found any obvious problems. I tried to start it one more time and it tried to fire once or twice and that was it. It cranks over fine, the fuel pump works fine and I get gas when I pump the throttle. This is leading me to believe I've got a problem somewhere in my ignition system. First thing later this morning I'm going to check the basics like fuses, wiring, shorts, etc... if I dont find anything there I'm going to move on to the distributor, ignition box and coil. I have another coil so I can swap it out and check if I have to but I have a feeling it's the distributor or the box.

What I need to know is if anybody knows of any way I can bench test a Unilite distributor and a 6AL ignition box? Thanks.

[!72chevelless]

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[docvette]

Doc here,

To test the coil..

Get out your DVOM, Set it for OHMS scale, R X 1, calibrated 000.

Disconnect all wires from he coil.

Measure the Primary..It should read less than an ohm, but more than 000...outside of that range, toss the coil it is bad.

Next measure the secondary, Set your scale for R X 10K or higher, or autorange if you Possess that function..It should read between 10,000 and 11,000 OHMS. Outside those ranges you have a bad coil.




This test will NOT detect an internal winding insulation breakdown (internal arc~over) You need an Oscilloscope to determine that..So if you suspect it..replace it with a KNOWN good coil and test the Vehicle again.

If it all tests good move on to the module.

Doc

[Blazin72]

I found my problem, the distributor had an internal failure. I'll post pictures tonight when I have the chance.

Thanks for the replies.

[Blazin72]

I pulled the distributor out to find that one of the pins for the advance weight broke and the weight came loose and forced the rotor up into the cap. The cap then rotated up off its locating dowel about 20 degrees. Very interesting. Im not entirely sure how it happened. I have a couple theories but thats about it. The distributor is not very old either.

I had an idea something was going on a few months ago when I last had the cap off because of all of the metal shavings. Instead of investigating I put a new cap and rotor on it, cleaned out the shavings and continued on my merry way. Some of you might remember this thread: Distributor Cap Question

Now I'm wondering whether I should try repairing it or just buy a new distributor all together. What do you guys think?

[docvette]

Doc here,

Were It I, I'd toss it..

Unless the photo is showing Digi after effects..I see signs of wear all over the thing..

It came apart for a reason, and may have done damage, or it may just be a weak design..but either way I'd upgrade.

Doc

[Blazin72]

Yeah, its it's in pretty rough shape. I just wasnt sure how much it's cost to fix it would be vs. just replacing the whole thing. What would be a good replacement for it? Maybe an MSD distributor?

[docvette]

Doc here,

Yeah, I'd go to the MSD site and find the recommended Dizzy for your system and match it all up..you'll be better off for it.

Doc