I've now replaced my ignition module 7 or 8 times. Even I can see that maybe its not the ignition module. Last time, I re-installed my ground strap on the passenger side and even put another one on the driver's side to form the decklid hinge bolts to the EGR Valve. That one (a Genuine AC Delco from my friendly neighborhood Chevy Dealer) lasted less than a week (and about 800 miles (mostly highway)).
Yes, I used the grease that comes with the ignition modules. Everytime.
Somebody suggested I replace my plug wires. Does THAT make sense? Somdebody else suggested I replace the Pickup coil. Thats the ring that runs around the distributor and connects to the ignition module, right?
I suggest you check the catalytic converter. (what?) In the past I had one where the module went out repeatedly. It finally dawned on me that the catalytic converter was bad because the heat from the EGR tube melted the side of the distributor cap. Heat is the number one killer of ignition modules, especially many aftermarket brands.
Also, check for low voltage to the ignition module and faulty wiring.
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07:24 AM
GTDude Member
Posts: 9056 From: Keysville, Virginia, USA Registered: Nov 2001
Your problem is not all that uncommon. It's usually an ignition feedback problem that blows out the module. The worst offenders are sparkplugs and sparkplug wires. Also dist cap and rotor can cause it. Yes I've seen it be the pu coil, but I'd make sure the basic ign is in good shape before replacing that. It is usually a high spike in the ign like a wide gap from sparkplug or bad plugwire that causes it. Check it out well before you go further.
Heat will definatly not help. There could be a number of causes there. (Who ever designed the V6 EGR setup had to be sniffing glue...)
Who ever told you to replace plug wires is correct. I would go further and replace the plugs, cap, rotor, and coil as well.
There are a couple differant things that could be going on. You could have a feedback like Phil was describing.
Feed back happens when secondary parts are not passing the spark energy to the plugs. The energy has to go someplace. If it can't get to the plugs or short to ground, then it litterally bounces back down toward the coil and/or distributor. At the very least it creates a huge power spike that slams the module.
The other problem is an arc over in the distributor or inside a bad coil. This kind of problem blasts spark energy right into the module. The most common items here are crappy cap and rotor.
Either way modules will keep going poof.
------------------ 11-Sept-01, The day the world as we knew it ended.
This above post ties directly into The Ogre's recent advice NOT to remove the coil wire to disable the ign while doing tests or maintenance. The coil still builds up hi voltage and it has to go somewhere.
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10:51 AM
May 28th, 2002
Rob Ernst Member
Posts: 329 From: West Harrison, IN Registered: Feb 2002
I'll pick up a new set of plug wires, plugs, rotor and cap and see what happens.
Also, I managed to break off one of the screws in the ignition module the last time I replaced it so I guess I'll unscrew that with a pair of Vice Grips and replace that screw.... I already replaced one of them with a brass screw, might as well do the other one too...
I'll keep everybody posted with the results.
Rob
------------------ 86 SE V6 4 Speed
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12:50 AM
Rob Ernst Member
Posts: 329 From: West Harrison, IN Registered: Feb 2002
Originally posted by Rob Ernst: BTW, the car doesn't currently HAVE a Catalytic Convertor. It clogged up to the point the car wouldn't even idle so I put on a TEST pipe...
Rob
And hows the 'test' going? I always laughed at that one. Like anyone would take it back out and spend money for a cat. duh. Well I guess the eco ppl would.
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07:02 AM
Jun 13th, 2002
Rob Ernst Member
Posts: 329 From: West Harrison, IN Registered: Feb 2002
I replaced the pickup coil last weekend. This week, I'll put some 8mm wires on and new AC Delco plugs, cap and rotor even though they look fine and were replaced in the last year (not sure WHEN the wires were replaced).
It CURRENTLY has those BOSCH +4 plugs...
------------------ 86 SE V6 4 Speed
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11:57 PM
Jun 14th, 2002
rogergarrison Member
Posts: 49601 From: A Western Caribbean Island/ Columbus, Ohio Registered: Apr 99
Plus screwing dissimilar metals together creates electrolisis which furthers the corrosion. Replace it with a steel one the next time you have the cap off.
11-Sept-01, The day the world as we knew it ended.
I always laughed at that one. Like anyone would take it back out and spend money for a cat. duh. Well I guess the eco ppl would.
