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What Causes Ignition Modules to Go Out?

dfl701- From what people are telling me, I'd say yes, buy both module and coil. Most people on the other site I'm posting on say to use stock GM (Delco) parts. But then there's people using after market parts (Accel, MSD etc) who have no problems at all.

My current module is NAPA Elchlin
http://www.napaonline.com/masterpag...mber=TP45&Description=Ignition+Control+Module

Elchlin (however it's spelled) is better quality than the chinese crap modules....not sure how it compares to Delco, but my truck runs great now. Hopefully it will last more than a day or so!

By the way, Brightauto.com isn't working apparently. Don't know what happened. They could get any Delco part, so that sucks they're offline.

Hey that MSD system looks great. Not sure my truck would need such an elaborate system.

chulisohombre- thanks for that info. Later today I'm going to take some readings while everythings running good so I have something to go on when it dies the next time :rolleyes:

Can someone eloborate on the difference between using that MSD system and either a stock or Accel distributor on a mostly stock engine? Other than a hotter spark...
 
thanks Greg mgm, im prob gonna go ahead and stick to delco or something similar, i dont feel like dishing out that much money for the msd quite yet.
 
Cool, Delco is a good choice. Be sure to really coat the bottom of the module with the grease that comes with it. Also, post back and let us know how it went.

Good luck!
 
i went out there today to take a look but it started raining(i love alabama haha) so i didnt wanna take the distributor out for obvious reasons, but i did look at the spark plugs, they are shot so looks like i have some work planned
 
I just went through all that. Replaced the cap, rotor, wires, plugs, all hoses and belts, etc. Definitely a good idea to replace your plugs and wires along with the module and coil.

All this extra work on our old trucks is still better than paying for a new truck!!

FYI- I was looking around the 'net and found this site-

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?N=10522%2B1623%2B4294965647&Ntt=ignition+module

Easy to navigate, and the Delco module was easy to find. I don't know about the sites reliability though. I'll post up if I find other places for Delco products.

Another site- http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/mfr,DELCO+or+GE
 
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Grounds?

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the grounding of the distributor. The spark energy comes from the coil and has to return there. Even a small fraction of 35kV can cause big problems. You need a solid ground from the dizzy to the block. If there isn't a gound strap there you can add one.
 
had it happen a few times in my 84 with HEI... it was when i first got the truck so i just thought it was some kinda stupid chevy issue. but having the truck die every month and having to replace it i figured something was wrong. ended up being one of the coil wires that ran to the distributor was stripped a bit and was arching over to the ground wire causing the module to go out
 
How does the MSD unit replace the stock module? I have the same MSD unit and MSD coil but I still have the module inside the distributor (the coil plugs into the module).
Am I missing something or do I have it hooked up wrong?
 
Blue85 said:
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the grounding of the distributor. The spark energy comes from the coil and has to return there. Even a small fraction of 35kV can cause big problems. You need a solid ground from the dizzy to the block. If there isn't a gound strap there you can add one.
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there should be a ground wire coming in from the harness.it should be checked as well as all wires coming into the distributor.i thought he said he already checked all the wires.that is a easy thing to overlook.
you can get the hookup schematic from the msd.com website.that is where i got mine and hooked it up when i switched from points to hei setup on my 72.
 
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My 86 K10 went through at least 10 AutoZone modules. I would carry a spare, plus the tools to replace it while on the road. Plus a 12volt drop light so I could see as my job required a lot of driving at night. Nothing like being stranded 2 hours from home at 3am. My research found that the module and coil are supposed to match in some kind of way. I don't know so much about that, I just bought a new, stock distributor and had no problems after that. When I bought my 76 Jimmy last year I put an Accel distributor in (Advance). I've had no module issues since. IMO the AutoZone modules were just poor, cheap, low dollar, low rent junk. Hope that helps, Rick.
 
Thanks for the post Rick.

Funny how my experience with Accel was much different than yours.
After a distributor change to an Accel unit, the idle was slightly rough, but worsened over 2 months. Then it started backfiring and wouldn't run at slow rpms. The module was changed to a NAPA Echlin and the engine ran nearly perfect...smooth idle and no problems after that. I almost rebuilt the carb thinking it was the culprit.

Edit- I've heard several people say what you said about Autozone modules.....stay away from them!
 
I'm actually running the AZ brand dizzy and module with a MSD coil in the 88 and havent had any issues for two years. Maybe I just get lucky everytime.

I am curious though; that MSD box in the earlier post cant be used with the TBI ignition can it? I've found an MSD and Accel brand dizzy with internal module, but they are $200-$300 dollars. Can the other setup be modified to work with TBI? I'm running a high volt coil but with the low quality dizzy and limited parts for TBI setups, my performance is only going to be so-so.
 
so i posted earlier here that i think my module and coil need to be replaced. well my question is, should i look into an HEI distributor? whats a good setup? this is my first carb truck i have owned myself so advice would be great! im on a budget but i wanna do it right the first time. im looking in summit and stuff and just need some direction. Thanks!
 
Not sure what year your truck is, but whatever came stock on it is what I'd recommend. How about buying a complete Delco distributor? I can't answer the question of putting in a HEI dist if it didn't have one to begin with, but I can't see why it would be a problem.

My truck is running better than it has in a long time with the new NAPA Elchlin (however it's spelled) module. After buying quite a few Elchlin brand parts, I'm confidant they're good quality....or maybe I should say they're working fine for me. :D
 
greg mgm said:
Not sure what year your truck is, but whatever came stock on it is what I'd recommend. How about buying a complete Delco distributor? I can't answer the question of putting in a HEI dist if it didn't have one to begin with, but I can't see why it would be a problem.

My truck is running better than it has in a long time with the new NAPA Elchlin (however it's spelled) module. After buying quite a few Elchlin brand parts, I'm confidant they're good quality....or maybe I should say they're working fine for me. :D
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glad u figured it out :)
 
dfl701 said:
so i posted earlier here that i think my module and coil need to be replaced. well my question is, should i look into an HEI distributor? whats a good setup? this is my first carb truck i have owned myself so advice would be great! im on a budget but i wanna do it right the first time. im looking in summit and stuff and just need some direction. Thanks!
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hey dfl.i got mine from a junkyard for 15 bucks.its worked good for years with no problems.
 
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