ignition coil question

Leecbr · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010, 08:52 AM

My cobra has a labored start lately even with 3 to 4 full pumps on the accelerator. labored meaning: I have to hold the key turned over listening to it cranking away and work the gas for a bit to get it to fire up. Other times 3 to 4 pumps and it starts straight away...

Is this an ignition coil issue? I also replaced the battery, so rule that out. I have an electric fuel pump in the trunk so I can hear that humming...Could the extended period of time it takes cranking away damage my starter?

Is this a typical/normal occurance for carborator engines? It's been since highschool (1987) that I've been around carb engines..I've gotten spoiled on fuel injected cars for too long.

I currently have an older model Mallory ignition coil..Volt Masters mark2 part# 28675..You can refer to my album photos to see it.

It's a black box with the ignition coil wire coming out of the side. Are these good/reliable ignition coils or should I upgrade to the MSD blaster ignition coils...What's your guys thoughts? Thanks..

rustyBob · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010, 09:05 AM

how long do you let the pump run before you try to start the engine????

on my rat rod i have to let the pump run for a few seconds before i try to
fire it otherwise it wount fire off on the first shot....

my Cobra has a mechanical pump and i have to pump it while cranking the
engine over and it fires after a cuople of pumps....

Leecbr · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010, 09:11 AM

Hi Rusty, I let the fuel pump run for about 5 seconds before I start pumping the gas. I'll try letting it run longer before I fire it up..maybe that will help.

thanks.

rustyBob · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010, 09:13 AM

check the fuel pressure at the carb.

Rick Parker · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010, 11:06 AM

Lee:
This will sound simple but believe me the fuel we have now (EPA, ethenol etc) is much different than when the Mallory voltmaster coils were the rage. They were an upgrade and are good for a point type ignition. However the fuel we have now has different flash point and burns differently (requires better atomization) and requires a larger ignition source to ignite properly. That's why all the newer cars have high energy ignitions. There is no reason your engine should hesitate in starting if you will upgrade the ignition system with and MSD or similar ignition box and a compatible hot coil. It will be a significant upgrade.

Leecbr · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010, 12:39 PM

Rick, Thanks for the information..I think I'm going to upgrade to a newer MSD ignition coil.

Rusty,
I figured out the starting problem too. just needed to run the pump longer and then only one or two pumps of the gas pedal...I was flooding it with too many pumps...That's why it took a bit to fire up...Thanks for the help guys.

rustyBob · #7 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010, 12:55 PM

good deal..........