Stranded - Help Needed

[dm36415]

Gave up on the Pertronix installation. Seems I did everything right and it still barely ran.

Put old coil back in and put in new points. Pulled distributor to ease the replacement process (long story). Buttoned everything back up, turned it over (to see if it would fire). Started up running a bit rough, did an "ear tune" timing, and she ran smooth.

Let it run for a few minutes, and took it for a test drive. As I left my subdivision, at about 3k RPM when I went to shift from 1st to 2nd, it died instantly, like someone turned the key off. Was running real smooth prio to the. Won't restart, doesn't sound like it's firing at all.

Fuel pump is working, so that's not it.

Has to be something in the ignition.

Note, I did not fully set the points, not use the timing light, as it was running smooth prior to the test. It was just warming up when it died, not yet at full operating temperature.

I need help that I can test/fix as it is sitting in a parking lot.

[e p slick]

As simple as it sounds I would first critically check any and all ground wires. Easiest place to start and check off the list. EPS

[Scooter]

Sounds to me like the points need to be set properly. I had a similar problem last year, and it was the point gap that was a problem. Good luck.

[dm36415]

Thanks guys, hope the suggestions keep coming. I want to get a good list so I can do as many tests with one trip and not waste a lot of work time by running back and forth.

[dm36415]

Thanks folks, it was the points gap. Evidently I must not have gotten the screw tight, as when I checked it, there was no gap at all. Set at .012", she fired right up.

Another case closed with assistance from the good people on this forum!

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by dm36415


Gave up on the Pertronix installation. Seems I did everything right and it still barely ran.

off topic on main subject but i think you may have used wrong pertronix 91867 instead of 1867 and wrong pertronix coil?


btw quick recheck points at 500mi or before and every 2,000mi till it seats and it'll be fine.

[Scooter]

Wow, I was right about something.

I'm glad you got your car running Dave.

Mine broke down in the middle of the Mojave Desert, with 115 degree heat. I hope your location was better.

[dm36415]

Walking distance from my house. Even more fortunate, it died right at the entrance to a dentist's parking lot, so I was able to roll off the street into an unused (it was Sunday) location. Unfortunately, of course, it was raining.

The silver lining is it has helped me identify the parts/tools I will include in the tool kit I'm assembling to carry in the car.