Im back....again. Yea, I'm the guy who just "scored the greatest find ever", if you read the recent post. Now it sure would be nice if the car that sat under those louvers started, now wouldn't it. So heres the problem. There is absolutely NO SPARK what-so-ever. So far I've replaced the ignition module and the coil with brand new units. Nothin.... I ran the "backyard" test of placing a spark plug in the coil to distributor wire to test for spark. Still nothin.....it should spark when you crank the motor, right ? The only thing left that I can see is the ignition pick up on the distributor shaft. What do you think. Is that the problem ? And if so, how do you replace it. There is a circular metal piece right above it that's under the rotor. Looks to me to be pressed on there. Fiero Store got them and there not expensive, so its worth the shot. So, any ideas? Thanks...…. Oh, were talking about the 88 Formula here
It's usually good practice to replace the pickup coil at the same time as the ICM. Heck, it's cheap enough!
Make sure the spring loaded center electrode thingy inside the distributor cap that rides on the rotor is still there. Don't ask me how I know about this potential issue.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 02-19-2019).]
You can buy a complete distributor on Amazon for under $75.00. Comes with new cap / rotor and ICM. I'm sure the ICM is not the best so I would recommend that a higher quality ICM be installed and the one tht comes in the dizzy be kept as a spare.
Hey shemdogg and everybody else. Yep your right. I ran a search on here and theres an excellent 9 minute video on how to replace the pickup coil. It doesn't look hard at all, but you do have to remover the distributor because it comes apart from the bottom. So I'm going with the new pickup coil. I'll post back when I replace the coil and tell you all if this fixed the no spark problem.
Although replacement of the pickup coil is easy, the distributor is still decades old. Buy a new one, they are a better design than OEM and the bushings and gear are not worn.
[This message has been edited by olejoedad (edited 02-19-2019).]
pull tack filter then check other problems. See my Cave, HE Ignition
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
Hey shemdogg and everybody else. Yep your right. I ran a search on here and theres an excellent 9 minute video on how to replace the pickup coil. It doesn't look hard at all, but you do have to remover the distributor because it comes apart from the bottom. So I'm going with the new pickup coil. I'll post back when I replace the coil and tell you all if this fixed the no spark problem.
Could you post that video here please?
I'm having this issue today...but it's intermittent. I've already replaced the cap and rotor, i got an ICM and pickup coil, but the thing fired right up when i tried it again this morning. So, its a little hard to diagnose.
I wish I could post the video on here for you to see. Sorry, but I don't know how to transfer it . Heres how you can see it though. Go to the "search" link. Enter in "replace pick-up coil" in all active forums. A post will pop up that was placed years ago titled " replace on not to replace pick-up coil". scroll down and you'll see the video ready to click onto. Watch the whole thing, its worth it if you plan on taking your distributor apart.
I have a new Cardone distributor on the way. Once I install it I'll post on what happened. If you hear an explosion, dial 911...
Thanks, I ordered a distributor from my local parts store. I'll get it replaced and hopefully that will fix it. Of course i get home from work and it fires right up no problem....
Ok you guys...and gals, who were keeping track of my ignition problem of no spark. Well, as the topic title states, SHE'S FIXED ! The problem came down to be the distributor. I installed a brand new Cardone unit, and my Formula started right up like she just rolled off the assembly line. If you recall, I first replaced the ignition module with no avail, then moved on to the coil with also no results. I was then going to replace the ignition coil, until one of you suggested I just buy a whole new distributor. Well, thanks on that one, cause I'm sure glad I did. And when I first took it out of the shipping box, man was I happy . A brand new, shinny, complete distributor for the total cost of around $85 dollars. That included FED -ex speedy shipping. So the Formulas once again up and running. Thank you all who participated in my other post.
editors note. since most of the ignition parts replaced were good to start with ( hey I made a joke.... to START WTH , get it...hahaha) Im gonna sell the stuff. Go to the mall if you want it.