Need Help with Ignition Problem

AC Cobra · #1 (**permalink**) 06-11-2006, 07:26 PM

Today I took a ride in the rural countryside. On the way back the engine all of a sudden started random cutting out. One second on and one second off. About 10 seconds and it came to a complete stop. I tried to start the engine but it would not fire. I pushed the car off the road and attempted to check things out.

The engine is a 351W with an MSD ignition, distributor and coil; Holley Street Avenger carburetor; and a Holley electrical fuel pump. I checked to see if there was a spark at the coil. It was OK. I verified fuel was spraying in the carburetor. I could see a good spray. I removed the distributor cap and the rotor was turning when the starter was activated.

I tried to start the engine one more time and for a short moment it sputtered and then stopped. I had a friend bring it back to the house on his rollback.

Before I start replacing parts I thought I would go to the experts on the forum to help diagnose my problem. Your advice would be appreciated.

Zoom This · #2 (**permalink**) 06-12-2006, 08:19 AM

Carb may be clogged in the metering blocks??? Just because you see accelerator pump gas spritzing out does not mean the carb is ok. Could be fuel pressure, fuel filter and/or fuel pump related too. If all electricals check out 100%, check fuel delivery. MSD box may be the source too, intermittently. Good luck.

AC Cobra · #3 (**permalink**) 06-12-2006, 01:39 PM

Thanks Zoom. I'll look at the fuel delivery system first. Is there an easy way to test the MSD ignition box?

Bryan Wilson · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2006, 03:57 PM

AC Cobra,
I just fixed a problem with the same symptoms as you describe.
The problem was the ignition coil was causing the ignition box to limit coil current.
Changed coil no problem.
Cheers,
Bryan

AC Cobra · #5 (**permalink**) 06-12-2006, 07:30 PM

Quote:

I just fixed a problem with the same symptoms as you describe.
The problem was the ignition coil was causing the ignition box to limit coil current.
Changed coil no problem.

Bryan,
I'll switch coils and see what happens. Thanks for the input.

rblong · #6 (**permalink**) 06-12-2006, 07:50 PM

I second the coil. I changed about $200 bucks worth of parts before I tried a $15 coil from autozone - problem solved. Ordered a new msd and now carry the other as a spare. Good luck!

Michael C Henry · #7 (**permalink**) 06-13-2006, 07:34 PM

m Back in the day I had a 63 Ford get the better of me. My friend had driven it ti ti grodery store and when came out it wouldn't start. after countless removing the plug wire to see if it had spark and no repair. Turned out to be a capiciter that was breaking down . These ignition boxes could be difficult to diagnose. A machine would probably be real handy. Also ,are the temps inline? reasonable octane.