I have had a both a stock electronic ignition, and a crane electronic
ignition give me this symptom when it failed. Crank like crazy, then when
you release the key, one good backfire. If you have the early Lucas
electronic ignition with the unit mounted on the side of the distributor,
these were not very reliable. If you have a remote Lucas black box, you can
open the box up and you will find a standard GM X-Car electronic ignition
module. Take this module down to Pep Boys and get a replacement for about
$15. If you have a Crane unit, send it back and get a new one, as they have
a lifetime guarantee.
David Riker
74 Midget
78 Midget
63 Falcon
http://personalweb.sunset.net/~davidr
----- Original Message -----
From: Charles D. Sorkin <cdsorkin@ix.netcom.com>
To: Spridgets list <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Sent: Sunday, December 26, 1999 8:51 PM
Subject: Another ignotion prob - won't go away
> Dear List:
>
> Now that I'm back, I had a chance to charge the battery on the Midget. Now
> it cranks a hell of a lot faster, but still won't start. And I'm still
> getting the loud backfiring through the tailpipe. Checked the grounding
> strap, and it was connected well, but covered with oil. Cleaned off the
> oil. Still making good connections at the battery terminals. Only things
I
> haven't checked are the alternator output (local Autozone doesn't have the
> testing equipment) and voltage across the battery terminals (don't own a
> multimeter). I am using a brand new distributor cap, rotor, and tried a
new
> coil. I am running electronic ignition.
>
> What next, before I a) start replacing expensive parts and wiring in a fit
> of frustration or b) take it to my local overpriced LBC mechanic?
>
> Regards,
>
> Charles
> '74 Midget
> '68 Sprite
> Bloomfield, NJ
> cdsorkin@ix.netcom.com
>
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