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Topic: Enigine shut off whike driving and wont start

in Forum: C3 Engines

Enigine shut off whike driving and wont start

Posted: 10/16/15 6:06pm Message 1 of 12
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Hillsboro, OR - USA
Joined: 7/20/2015
Posts: 49
Vette(s): 1975 L48 4sp. Coupe... Rebuilt Motor
Like the title says, I was driving down the road and the engine shut off. Like a switch flipped. I pulled over and started looking at the obvious. It's getting fuel and I had a dvm so I looked at the voltage at the distributor and found 12v. So I replaced the coil since I had one.Still no start. I was hoping someone had a few pointers or places to start looking. I bought this car 6 months ago. It's a 75 350 4sp that's had a little work done but its mild and drives well. Any help us appreciated, Pat


Daytona Yellow '75 350 Muncie 4 spd
'73 454 on the engine stand.


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Re: Enigine shut off whike driving and wont start

Posted: 10/16/15 8:28pm Message 2 of 12
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Temple City, CA - USA
Joined: 10/3/2010
Posts: 365
Vette(s): 1969 Daytona Yellow. 350 / Automatic.
Since no one has answered yet, I would check for spark at a plug and then on the main wire going from the coil to the distributor.  If those check out, check  the plugs.  I think they should be wet from the gas of trying to start it.  Or they may be cmpletely fouled.  Let us know What you find out.

|UPDATED|10/16/2015 8:28:52 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|



Re: Enigine shut off whike driving and wont start

Posted: 10/16/15 7:38pm Message 3 of 12
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Sounds like a typical ignition module failure....


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Re: Enigine shut off whike driving and wont start

Posted: 10/16/15 7:56pm Message 4 of 12
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Hillsboro, OR - USA
Joined: 7/20/2015
Posts: 49
Vette(s): 1975 L48 4sp. Coupe... Rebuilt Motor
Thanks for the reply. Could you elaborate a bit on what I might be dealing with? Please. Pat


Daytona Yellow '75 350 Muncie 4 spd
'73 454 on the engine stand.


Re: Enigine shut off whike driving and wont start

Posted: 10/16/15 7:59pm Message 5 of 12
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Hillsboro, OR - USA
Joined: 7/20/2015
Posts: 49
Vette(s): 1975 L48 4sp. Coupe... Rebuilt Motor
Thanks, it's an hei so the coils on top of the distributor and I replaced the cap and coil. Hoping to get more detail on the ignition module. Tbanks, Pat


Daytona Yellow '75 350 Muncie 4 spd
'73 454 on the engine stand.


Re: Enigine shut off whike driving and wont start

Posted: 10/16/15 8:28pm Message 6 of 12
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Temple City, CA - USA
Joined: 10/3/2010
Posts: 365
Vette(s): 1969 Daytona Yellow. 350 / Automatic.

2. Sudden Failure

Ignition modules may stop working abruptly because of loose or corroded electrical connections. In this case the vehicle will stall unexpectedly during operation and not start again. Check the switch. Clean oxidized terminals and replace broken wires if necessary. The circuits may also be critically damaged by overheating if the problem is not addressed after the first or second occurrence. If you cannot start the car, testing the functionality of the ignition control module might seem difficult. Use a light timing tester to check the output of the module. Connect the timer to the positive terminal of the battery and check the continuity of the black output wire while cranking the starter. If the light blinks, the module is good. If the light is blank or constant, the module is bad. Before you attempt to replace the control module, you must rule out other ignition system components. The module is expensive and replacing it is a laborious process. Check the ignition coil for a spark. Examine the wires at the cap, rotor, and spark plugs. If the car runs but has timing problems, use a tester light and wrench to adjust the spark plug timing according to the manufacturer’s specifications.


I found this on the internet.  While my car has HEI, I know nothing more about the ignition module on any corvette. Wacko  Someone on here will respond and we both will be educated.





Re: Enigine shut off whike driving and wont start

Posted: 10/16/15 8:53pm Message 7 of 12
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA
Joined: 5/23/2007
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Vette(s): 1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert
I the course of two years I went thru two of these until I got a good one.  When my '81 warmed up it would quit until it cooled off a little.  The third ones been fine for years now.  Take your distributor cap off and it's under the weights on the drivers side of the distributor. 
 



      Only 34 years together

Re: Enigine shut off whike driving and wont start

Posted: 10/16/15 8:58pm Message 8 of 12
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Hillsboro, OR - USA
Joined: 7/20/2015
Posts: 49
Vette(s): 1975 L48 4sp. Coupe... Rebuilt Motor
johnu said: I the course of two years I went thru two of these until I got a good one.  When my '81 warmed up it would quit until it cooled off a little.  The third ones been fine for years now.  Take your distributor cap off and it's under the weights on the drivers side of the distributor. 
 

Thank you so much, that is what I was looking for. I am at work trying to do this on my cell phone. I will try to find one tomorrow am.

Thanks again,
Pat





Daytona Yellow '75 350 Muncie 4 spd
'73 454 on the engine stand.


Re: Enigine shut off whike driving and wont start

Posted: 10/17/15 6:53am Message 9 of 12
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leesburg, FL - USA
Joined: 7/19/2014
Posts: 195
Vette(s): 1979 coupe and now 2007 c-6
for what is it worth take it for old timer   don't believe new coil is good I seen new be bad but reading from the form  I thing I wood look at ign moduale   and check voltage at coil coming and going     good luck      dwaBeer


Re: Enigine shut off whike driving and wont start

Posted: 10/17/15 8:00am Message 10 of 12
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Aurthur, I emailed you the testing procedures for the HEI system. There is one other test for the ignition module that is not included...I'm still digging in my files to find it. I'll send it when I do. Thumbs Up


Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

in Forum: C3 Engines


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