this is bad

C

cbarr300

Member
Jun 6, 2006
746
0
17
goose creek, SC
#1
well, thought I had the car going good til I took it out. I ran it for about 10 mins and all was good. So I hit the highway (BIG MISTAKE!!!) and got on it. Pop at about 4000rpm and car died on me. Wouldn't start by engaging clutch...just straight went out.

I happened to have a timing light with me and hooked it up to the coil wire. Light didn't flash when I cranked it. Hit the coil with a wrench a few times and messed with the wiring (I have an msd so there're plenty of wires). Got in the car and started cranking it. Light flashed and engine cut on for about 2 seconds and died...wouldn't start after that no matter what I did.

luckily an officer came by and ended up giving me a ride home.

So I'm guessing the coil is my problem? I bypassed the msd and used the stock tfi module and still no go.
 
#4
welp, went out in the truck and messed around with it. I figured maybe once it cooled down it would be good but it still didn't work.

I hit it with my flashlight and the car started and stayed on for about 4 mins then died and wouldn't start.

so I am now about 100% sure its the coil since hitting it sometimes seems to fix it.

just an update
 
#5
Did I post before about checking the coil? When it wont start, put a test light across the two coil wiring terminals (+ and -). If both are there but you dont have spark leaving the coil, the coil is an issue.

If you do not have + and - across the coil wires (your test light will flash real quick because the TFI is modulating the ground to the coil), there is an issue downstream (the next item downstream is the TFI). They can be bench tested at some parts stores.

You might have a TFI or IDM code stored as well.

Good luck.
 
#8
That's interesting, guess I must be lucky. I have a blaster TFI on the Mustang, and the old one off it I originally installed back in 2000. I only removed it because it was around the edges and I put a fresh shiny one on... The old one sat on a shelf for 3 months then went on my F-150 where it's been running strong for the last 18 months/30,000 miles.
 
#9
HISSIN50 said:
Did I post before about checking the coil? When it wont start, put a test light across the two coil wiring terminals (+ and -). If both are there but you dont have spark leaving the coil, the coil is an issue.

If you do not have + and - across the coil wires (your test light will flash real quick because the TFI is modulating the ground to the coil), there is an issue downstream (the next item downstream is the TFI). They can be bench tested at some parts stores.

You might have a TFI or IDM code stored as well.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Great info, as always.
 
#10
replaced the coil and no problems so far *knock on wood*. I only got on it once and it's been a bit on the cold side outside so...I guess we'll see. I took the coil off of my truck and put the stock one back on the truck so it didn't cost nething.

My old coil was rattling around inside that black casing..I'm guessing magnetic casing? so I think that was the givin me probs

hissin, u did mention that info b4 but I must have missed it...Maybe I shoulda done that first. Great info. I do have one question, however. If I have an msd ignition box is it still possible the tfi could be messing me up? Cuz that thing looks like it's seen better days.

Thanks for the great info
 
#14
oh man...bet the ricers enjoyed that one. I think once I have to buy a new one I'm going with crane.

so anyone know if the tfi can still mess things up even though I'm using an msd box. I think it gets a signal from there but not sure if it'd screw around with nething. Thanks :)
 
#15
And I forgot to reply about the MSD thing. I hadn't realized you had a box. A stock coil should work alright (I had a stocker with an MSD box, for whatever that's worth). But a Crane coil would be my choice as well.

It seems to me that if the coil is not attached to the metal surrounding the coil, the coil is more likely to fail, especially when hot. That metal is a heat sink.

For the TFI, you could replace it if you want, but it's always a crap shoot with those unless you get a NOS type part. If you do replace it, it's not a bad idea to keep the stocker in the trunk for a roadside repair. It's really your call. And of course, you can have the TFI bench tested at a decent parts house. Ask them to test it a couple times in a row (the goal is to heat the module up to simulate underhood temps).


Anyhoo, hope it stays running good!
 
#17
haha, yeah, me too. I guess it can't hurt to change it out. And I also have my old coil in the trunk just in case this one fails...maybe the old one can get me home.

hmmm.....so my heat..just wasn't sinking :D

I guess time will tell if that was my problem. I guess it could be the PIP..even though the dizzy isn't even 2 months old. If I get that problem again...I'm ready. Got my stocker dizzy in the back as well :D :D :D

This kid isn't leaving his car on the highway again lol
 
#18
cbarr300 said:
darnit...keep getting double posts
Click to expand...
You remind me of ummm, ahem me. :D I carry all sorts of spare parts. Back when I drove my old Euro roadster everyday (my only car), I'd keep a spare fuel pump, cap and rotor, plug wires, a ton of tools, etc etc. in the trunk. Just in case. :rlaugh:

On a similar note, some old Jags (Lucas electrical) came with two fuel pumps. You could toggle between them because they failed so often. Seriously.
 
#19
haha, my truck has two fuel tanks. I've always like that.

lol..in my trunk currently: coil, dizzy, roll of 12 awg wire, connectors, loads of tools, dmm, jack and tire, jumpers....spare battery :D, soon to be TFI module..and an upper and lower radiator hose. prolly some other random crap.

don't ask..but like I said.....this kid isn't gettin stranded again *hopefully*

It's all nice and hidden too soooo....no harm no foul I suppose
 
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