what would make a new(er) module go bad ? i had replaced one in a 87 iroc in november because it wouldn't start , after sitting for about a month i coulndt get it to start again . i found alot of corrosion on the contacts in the cap , so i replaced cap rotor & had module tested - was good , and it turned out to be shorted wire to fuel pump. i drove it to work after getting it started but then it wouldn't start again - replaced module started right up. what would cause this to keep happening ?

 

I am not questioning your knowledge...But are you using the white grease that comes with the module??? If not, That is the reason.

Later

 

i didn't RE apply any after i had it tested , but indeed i put it on the new one

 

Yeh, it's heat sink grease for the amp in the module w/o it it'll overheat, but some times will only have trouble starting when hot. Other times the module burns up completely and won't start period.

 

Old age and heat?

 

Check for corrosion on the terminals, if green corrosion is found then clear the vents on the distributor. They should just be a piece of fine screen near the pick-up coil. They vent the ozone that is created when the spark from the rotor jumps the gap to the cap, it is very corrosive. Check terminal tension also, possibly a loose connection, that's why it started with a new module, you remade the connection. The dialectric grease must be used. Typically if not used you will get a hot stalling concern that is gone when the engine (ign. module) cools down. Then it will stall again when hot. Did you use a name brand module? Some cheaper aftermarkets are known for driveability problems. I try to use AC parts when I can. Good luck

 

cool , thanks guys it must have been from the lack of grease after i had it tested - all seems well.... for now

 

Are the Accel ones any good or are the A/C delco`s better I want a Accel one to go with my Accel wires coil rotor cap and plugs

 

I have heard of some aftermaket ones causing problems in my friends cars. I have yet to have a problem with my AC one. It is inside the distributor so I doubt you will be able to see it unless you get the transparent distributor cap.

 

I want one too, HIPO modules allow for a quicker more complete saturation of the coil, not to mention the increased burn time(dwell). But don't get cheap here, or you could be one of those having trouble...(Accel, MSD,DUI etc)

 

Just a FYI, DO NOT use dielectric grease under your ignition module, it actually prevents heat transfer and could burn up the module permaturely. The grease that comes with your module is the heat transfer grease you need.