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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 3,590
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It just quit
Driving home from work last night, out of the blue the engine just quit running. Not sputtering or spitting first. It just died. I was able to start it right back and go on, but it happened several times.
I figured it must be electrical, but after sleeping on it I'm not so sure. I had a Quadrajet rebuilt and put on last week. The truck has been running like a sewing machine until last night. And it started up and ran fine this morning on the way to work. Any ideas?
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Willie Swamp Angel Truckers '72 C10 Highlander ![]() People who blindly follow a GPS end up on television programs on The Weather Channel. Some survive, some don't. ![]() |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: salem oregon
Posts: 101
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Re: It just quit
start with the basics, air, spark, fuel.
air should be pretty obvious. -next lol spark. i lean more this direction seeing how it completely shut off. check the cond. of the coil wires. is it getting steady voltage? distributer - how do the points look? or hei -hook up a dwell meter and make sure its not doing anything odd. check connections. also the main coil wire to cap. check the inside of the cap and rotor for any damage. fuel check the pressure, is it steady? getting enough psi? check your float levels again make sure that little valve isnt sticking. also check your fuel filter. lots of little stuff but it should help narrow your search. hope this helps
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![]() USMC SEMPER FI 68 Chevy Longhorn 350/400 factory posi |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Providence, RI
Posts: 211
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Re: It just quit
My 71 would do that, just shut off with no warning, and would start back up after a little bit. It started up as if it was flooded though, which it was. I was leaning to a carb problem, but it ended up being the coil. I repalced the old points/coil with a new HEI and it never happeend again
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Mark 71 C10 Cheyenne 12 Aprilia RSV4 |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: independence mo
Posts: 2,111
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Re: It just quit
When mine did that it was the control module.
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I'm not as good as I once was, But I'm as good once as I ever was. |
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#5 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Franklinton NC
Posts: 1,309
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Re: It just quit
If you have HEI it sounds like the module.
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 275
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Re: It just quit
My Dodge recently had this trouble. Died on me a few times. Sometimes starting right back up, other times needing a tow home - until it eventually shut off and would never start.
Determined the problem was very little spark coming from the coil. Replaced the coil, and it fired up immediately. The entire ignition system was a mish-mash of brands, so after that I decided to replace it all with an entire system from one company - distributor, coil pack, leads. Now runs like a dream. |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Taylorsville, Georgia
Posts: 482
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Re: It just quit
Mine done the same, it was the hei module. Pop a fresh one in, and it'll probably be good. You can get a new one for under $20 at advance typically.
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#8 |
Parts and more parts
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere
Posts: 6,821
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Re: It just quit
If you have an HEI, I agree it could be the module. However, there is a pickup coil around the distributor shaft UNDER the advance plate. You have to pull the dizzy shaft to replace it. I had one of those go away on me before.
If that doesn't work, check to see if the crankshaft pulley is turning or the valves are moving when your turn the engine over. I also had a crank break right behind the timing chain gear and the timing chain no longer was turning, you could have lost your timing chain. This usually results in bent pushrods for the valves.
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Frank |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 3,590
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Re: It just quit
It has Delco Remy HEI. Correct me if I'm wrong, the "module" is inside the disti cap? Photos?
By they way, I had no problems yesterday. We'll see what today brings.
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Willie Swamp Angel Truckers '72 C10 Highlander ![]() People who blindly follow a GPS end up on television programs on The Weather Channel. Some survive, some don't. ![]() |
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#10 |
Cluster King
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Junction City, OR
Posts: 5,263
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Re: It just quit
Keep in mind when this happens. Is it wet or damp outside? Is the engine at operating temp? How long running before it quits? Are you accellerating or coasting?
Usaully but not always, HEI modules will fail after they get hot but have no problem cold. HEI ignition ciols usually go bad and that's it, they are done. Maybe a fuel problem. Did you have any problems before the carb rebuild? Was there a problem with the carb before it was rebuilt? All these questions will help figure out the root cause of your problem. |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: strausstown pa
Posts: 3,394
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Re: It just quit
the module will do that sometimes before it gives up completely
we recently had a ignition switch do the same thing as it turned out it mustve been getting worn on the inside and would only stay running if key was held there in the run postion. that was tough too figure out ![]()
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81 camaro 355 4/spd 342 posi my first love ![]() 67 swb step 454/4spd ott 373 posi 4/7 drop. 2000 s10 zr2 little blue truck that never gets stuck. '74 heald super bronc vt8. tecumseh powered moon rover. |
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#12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: It just quit
My initial thought before reading all of the comments were also HEI control module.
Good luck! |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bandera, TX
Posts: 85
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Re: It just quit
x2
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1967 SWB (small window) original 1970 4x4 STEP 1970 CST SWB FLEET 1972 SWB FLEET ORIGINAL |
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#14 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 6,208
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Re: It just quit
Probably the module ..
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Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 *Currently underway* 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet *Sold* 1985 Silverado Short Fleet *Sold* 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride) |
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#15 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Chandler AZ
Posts: 1,149
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Re: It just quit
While you are replacing the module replace the capacitor-harness, too. I had one that was cracked on the bottom of the connecteor that would do the same thing. I replaced the module and was happy for ....a month or so. When it did it again, I inspected more closely and found the crack. It allowed the signal from the module to ground out for just a few seconds and that was it.
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1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9 |
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#16 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
Posts: 1,885
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Re: It just quit
I've had an electronic module do that when it had a loose wire. When the engine would warm up it would intermittently die. Tightened up the module wire and it never happened again.
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Grand Blanc Mi
Posts: 22
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Re: It just quit
Check coil if you have points system.. or the control module if you have an HEI..Ive had the same problems in the past and thats what it was..
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#18 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Chandler AZ
Posts: 1,149
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Re: It just quit
just a note, though the capacitor pictured says it is a "Radio Antenna Module Capacitor" it is inside the distributor and conects module to cap.
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1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9 |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Channahon, IL
Posts: 198
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Re: It just quit
I had the same thing happen to me on my 72 burb and it turned out to be a bad ign switch while driving it just died and would restart without issues so I replaced it and never happened again
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#20 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Whidbey Island/Edmonds,WA
Posts: 360
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Re: It just quit
Usually when something needs troubleshooting, look to what was changed just before the problem. If your truck was fine before the carb was rebuilt, I would be looking at the carb since it was what was recently changed. It can get expensive to just start replacing everything that has caused others to get the same problem you're currently having.
You could have a sticking float, float adjusted too low so it doesn't fill bowl enough thereby draining it before it can catch up, debris in the inboard filter, etc. good luck. ![]()
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If I have to be on 4 wheels, It has to be a classic Chevy 1967 c10 Longbed (Hawghauler/Icy weather transport) 2003 BMW K1200GT (Rain bike) 2007 Softail Deuce (Sun bike) 2009 Ultra Classic Electra Glide (Everything else bike) |
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#21 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Franklinton NC
Posts: 1,309
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Re: It just quit
Keep us posted. What fixed it?
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Little River, SC
Posts: 255
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Re: It just quit
Yeah, WHAT FIXED IT??? I just posted on having the exact same issue with a 71 I bought last night!
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1955 Chevy 3100 Task Force Pro Street - Sold! 1957 Chevy 3100 Task Force "Rat Rod" a.k.a. SLOTH - Sold! 1971 C10 Longbed factory A/C all stock 350/350 1979 Jeep CJ7 - Build date on the day I was born! -Keeper 2004 Expedition - Family Hauler 2007 Accord - Wife's around towner; I have more but not enough lines to post them! |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 3,590
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Re: It just quit
So far nothing. It hasn't acted up again once since the other night.
Though I'm not really qualified to comment, I think it was electrical in nature. When it died, it just stopped, no sputtering, spitting, rough idle or anything. It's supposed to be nice (high 50s) on Sunday so I'm going to pull the module and see if I can find someone to test it. Stay tuned.
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Willie Swamp Angel Truckers '72 C10 Highlander ![]() People who blindly follow a GPS end up on television programs on The Weather Channel. Some survive, some don't. ![]() |
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#24 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 727
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Re: It just quit
Quote:
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 3,590
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Re: It just quit
OK, so yesterday it quit again. I pulled the control module, had it tested and replaced it. Still won't start.
When I was taking the module out, the plastic "plug" for the pigtail that connects to the capacitor and connects to the coil at the top of the dizzy broke. The wiring appeared to be solid, so I connected the individual wires on the module. I can replace the capacitor assembly. Do you think that would make a difference?
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Willie Swamp Angel Truckers '72 C10 Highlander ![]() People who blindly follow a GPS end up on television programs on The Weather Channel. Some survive, some don't. ![]() |
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