The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Ok; Where Are the Ignition Experts?

I need your help. Thanks in advance.

Background. I have a 57 TF with 235/3spd. Last summer I replaced the wiring harness, installed 3-wire alternator and installed Langdon's HEI distributor and high energy coil. The truck also has Fenton headers and Offy 2x intake with Holley/Weber 2bbl progressive carbs. (I think they're Holley/Webers but I can never remember if they're Carter/Webers. They're the Pinto carbs.)

I had some intake issues last year but the truck ran. I ended up with some engine trouble and decided to build another 235. This summer I took the truck out and had some issues. The trouble was that I could run the truck for several minutes and it would quit. The first time it did this, I assumed I was out of gas and put more in. It happened several more times during the day and I know I had fuel. I assumed it was an ignition problem. When I finally got the truck home I decided now is as good a time as any to replace the engine.

I just got the truck back together. A master mechanic advised me that the 'coil pickup' was probably bad in the distributor so I bought a new one and installed it. While I was at it, I had the module checked and it was ok. I got the truck to start the other evening and it ran for about 10 minutes before it just stopped. There's no doubt this thing has fuel. I assumed the problem was a continuation of the original issue and thought it would start after it cooled off. Today I tried to start the truck again and there was no fire.

What are your suggestions?

Jerry Acheson,

I think you have it pegged. I have never had one of Langdons HEI units, but from what I have read on this site, this typifies a module failure.

Joker can attest to this fact I'm sure.

I don't know how the modules are tested, but on the truck, they are subjected to hot and cold cycles and vibration. These are not friendly things for anything solid state.

As with anything sealed/potted that is electronic, it is a replacement game.

I think this HEI has only a 12 volt switched wire to it...if that has power when the key is on, looks like the culprit is the electro-brain box.

Stuart

I believe atomarc (and others on a previous forum) were right. I replaced the module and voila; she purs again. Thanks.

Now to fix a few little leaks and I'm 'on the road again'.

a little side story. I made a deal on a 49 f that had all new ignition, new carb, fuel pump, lines and filters. The seller couldn't keep it running for more than a few blocks. It would start back up and repeat the brake down. So he sold it cheap! I found a cardboard cap liner from a can of dri gas or something in the gas tank. It would cover the pick up in the bottom of the tank and stall the truck. Then it would float free and the engine would do it all again. I did have a job to get the offending gasket out of the tank.

I have a mallory electronic dis,no points in mine,,

had to replace the module.. it was giving me all sorts of dieing problems but would always start back up........I checked the mallory according to their directions,, checked out ok,, so I let it go and kept driving the truck,, a mechanic told me the problem was in my module.... I bought a new one and no more problem... matter of fact,, I bought two..

has not died, burped, stalled, or do nothing but run and purr like a kitten..since.. may not be your problem ,, good luck with finding it,, almost drove me crazy on mine

The cheapest and one of the most reliable solutions, is to adapt the original distributor to a Pertronix electronic ignition, which is under $70 bucks. I have never had another problem with it!

And yes, the Holley/Webbers are the Pinto carbs. I've got one too, and I'm a lot happier with it than the old 1 bbl. How well does the twin carb, 4 bbl set up work on the 235...when the ignition is working?