Keep burning icm (Page 2/3)
Patrick MAY 23, 10:34 PM

I suspect you have two issues.

Get the alternator checked.

The ICM can die due to several reasons. Lack of proper heat sink compound (thermal paste) between the ICM and distributor base and/or faulty pickup coil (not ignition coil) and/or simply a poor connection to the harness. There may be other reasons as well, but those are at the top of the list.
theogre MAY 24, 05:58 PM
Have 2 post w/ same title. (Not a double post problem because added space in front of topic.)

Again, take the alternator out and test @ autozone etc.

SI alts "die" that seem to work and kill the battery.

Have alt problems can kill other things too or Ignition module is separate problem.


Full charge battery is 12.6 to 13v when engine Off.
Alt put out should be 14 to near 15 v when engine Runs.

DC volts w/ SI alts may lie if diode(s) short. Then see AC Volts that causes huge problems.
Cannings MAY 24, 08:51 PM
Ok. It’s probably just better to put a new alt in I guess if I take it out . I hear that taking alternator's out of theses cars is not so easy.
Patrick MAY 24, 08:58 PM

quote
Originally posted by Cannings:

I hear that taking alternator's out of theses cars is not so easy.



Depends on the year, the engine, and the transmission... none of which has been stated.
Cannings MAY 24, 09:02 PM
Right. Lol. That would help. My bad
It’s. 1985 Im not sure on the transmission
Cannings MAY 24, 09:04 PM
2.8 engine
Patrick MAY 25, 01:05 AM

quote
Originally posted by Cannings:

2.8 engine




quote
Originally posted by Cannings:

It’s. 1985 Im not sure on the transmission



Well, when you eventually figure out whether you have a clutch or not ... I'll tell you that it's a lot easier to swap out the alternator on these cars that have a manual transmission than it is with an automatic.

If you end up swapping out the alternator, perhaps upgrade from the original SI unit to a superior CS one. Very simple upgrade, plenty has been posted here about it.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 05-25-2023).]

Spoon MAY 29, 06:34 PM

quote
Originally posted by Cannings:

I hear that taking alternator's out of theses cars is not so easy.



You heard correct, a few years ago a member spent xx hours trying to free an alternator from a 2.8 with automatic transmission. Sometime during the agony he accidentally dropped it. Probably got a bad cramp in his hand and it fell to the ground right through all the obstructions. The look on his face must have been priceless!!
Others had some much difficulty they would disassemble both the old and the replacement to get the job done. So much for the warranty.

Let us know how you make out. Also Youtube is your friend. Share your experience.

Spoon

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traceymac JUN 28, 04:13 PM
Patrick, sorry to off topic on post, but you mentioned icm. have a 87 gt 2.8, started car drove around the block, as pulling up it idled down to 800 rpm( usually 1100) and died. now will turn over but no spark. no start. i noticed alot of corrosion when cap popped. bad pickup? or bad icm ?
Dennis LaGrua JUN 28, 08:14 PM
One key point. All brands of ignition modules are not the same. IMO, some of the cheap imports are of questionable quality. AC Delco has been the most reliable brand but I've had luck with Standard Motor Parts as well. Installed properly with thermal grease these should work.

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