Ignition Module Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1980 Chevy · 05-18-2005, 01:03 PM

Last week my truck motor would turn over and act like it wanted to start (strong turning), but just wouldn't fire. A few of you suggested I change the ignition module, which I did and it started like it was brand new. Now my wife just called and said it's acting like it did...turns strong, but just not getting fire. Which makes me think if it replacing it worked, I should do it again. However, even though it's only about 20 bucks, I don't think it's normal to have to replace it weekly. Does anyone have any idea of why this puppy would go bad within a week?
Thanks again folks!

1980 Chevy · 05-18-2005, 01:04 PM

oh yea. it's a 454 with an HEI distributor if that helps anyone.

ocbaud · 05-18-2005, 01:16 PM

you're wrong, it is normal to replace it weekly.

ok, not really. sorry i cant help any more

1980 Chevy · 05-18-2005, 01:25 PM

OK ocbaud...since it's normal, I'm off to replace it again, ha! I think I'll buy a spare too.

hotrodhomi · 05-18-2005, 01:25 PM

maybe a loose connection?

86-C10-V6 · 05-18-2005, 01:33 PM

& apply liberal amount of heak sink compound.
Then make sure to apply plenty of torque to the mounting screws to press out any extra compound.
Heat is what normally kills the module, also a bad coil can cause the module fail if it is parially shorted.
Good Luck

PHOENIX · 05-18-2005, 02:10 PM

If you determine it is the module or decide to change the module again:

Ever thought about trying the MSD Module?
I had a lot of module problems in the past and switched to a MSD module and didnt have any more problems.
Then I switched to the whole MSD distributor.

I just noticed the old one isnt available, now it has a rev limiter, sweet!

SummitRacing.com

1980 Chevy · 05-18-2005, 02:33 PM

Hotrodhomi wins! First thing I did was push on those two connections, got in and it fired right up. One of the clips that holds it in tight broke off, so I'll have to rig it until I can replace that.
I'll check in to that MSD Module Phoenix. I enjoy fixing up this truck, just don't like to "have" to because of a hard break.
Thanks again folks!

hotrodhomi · 05-18-2005, 03:33 PM

glad you didn't have to walk or tow.

screwballl · 05-18-2005, 10:01 PM

i replaced the module in my 76 with HEI (350) and it was fine for a month or so but it bascially dies again whenever high humidity or it rains just like before... so i need to get a dist boot or better dist setup... oh wait im selling it so i wont do it...

05-18-2005, 01:03 PM	#1
1980 Chevy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Burleson, Texas Posts: 55	Ignition Module Question Last week my truck motor would turn over and act like it wanted to start (strong turning), but just wouldn't fire. A few of you suggested I change the ignition module, which I did and it started like it was brand new. Now my wife just called and said it's acting like it did...turns strong, but just not getting fire. Which makes me think if it replacing it worked, I should do it again. However, even though it's only about 20 bucks, I don't think it's normal to have to replace it weekly. Does anyone have any idea of why this puppy would go bad within a week? Thanks again folks!

05-18-2005, 01:33 PM	#6
86-C10-V6 Shadetree Mechanic Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Youngsville, NC Posts: 100	Make sure you clean the mounting service & apply liberal amount of heak sink compound. Then make sure to apply plenty of torque to the mounting screws to press out any extra compound. Heat is what normally kills the module, also a bad coil can cause the module fail if it is parially shorted. Good Luck __________________ Dave M. (Hacksaw) 86 C10 Scottsdale LWB, 4.3L, Edelbrock 1904, K&N, 700R4, 3.08 Auburn Performance 89 GMC S-15 Extended Cab 4x4, 4.3L, FI 98 K1500 Xcab, 5.7L, 3.43 Gov-Lok

05-18-2005, 02:10 PM	#7
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	If you determine it is the module or decide to change the module again: Ever thought about trying the MSD Module? I had a lot of module problems in the past and switched to a MSD module and didnt have any more problems. Then I switched to the whole MSD distributor. I just noticed the old one isnt available, now it has a rev limiter, sweet! SummitRacing.com __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION * Last edited by PHOENIX; 05-18-2005 at 02:11 PM.

05-18-2005, 10:01 PM	#10
screwballl Tonawanda 454 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Liquid Sunshine State Posts: 2,755	i replaced the module in my 76 with HEI (350) and it was fine for a month or so but it bascially dies again whenever high humidity or it rains just like before... so i need to get a dist boot or better dist setup... oh wait im selling it so i wont do it... __________________ 91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! 04 Dodge Durango 5.7L Hemi 2WD, 24K miles (as of July 2011) In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. -------------------

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05-18-2005, 01:04 PM	#2
1980 Chevy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Burleson, Texas Posts: 55	oh yea. it's a 454 with an HEI distributor if that helps anyone.

05-18-2005, 01:16 PM	#3
ocbaud Garage Queen Material Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Posts: 4,129	you're wrong, it is normal to replace it weekly. ok, not really. sorry i cant help any more

05-18-2005, 01:25 PM	#4
1980 Chevy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Burleson, Texas Posts: 55	OK ocbaud...since it's normal, I'm off to replace it again, ha! I think I'll buy a spare too.

05-18-2005, 01:25 PM	#5
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	maybe a loose connection?

05-18-2005, 02:33 PM	#8
1980 Chevy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Burleson, Texas Posts: 55	Hotrodhomi wins! First thing I did was push on those two connections, got in and it fired right up. One of the clips that holds it in tight broke off, so I'll have to rig it until I can replace that. I'll check in to that MSD Module Phoenix. I enjoy fixing up this truck, just don't like to "have" to because of a hard break. Thanks again folks!

05-18-2005, 03:33 PM	#9
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	glad you didn't have to walk or tow.



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