I converted my 71 IH to electronic ignition years go. The parts store told
me to always carry the original parts with me. It would have been a 10
minute job to go back to the original. The parts guy said that when
electronic ignition goes, it goes like a flash. Our local small IH parts guy
always carries extra modules. So if somebody's unit dies out in the boonies
during a run, they don't have to back for him. Bob K in PHX.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Hanlon, Bill (ISS Houston)" <bill.hanlon@hp.com>
To: <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2003 7:30 AM
Subject: [oletrucks] Bah-humbug
> I was coming home from a local "shine and show" Saturday night about 11 PM
in my daily driver for the last 14+ years mostly stock 57 GMC V8. Cruising
at 45 MPH when suddenly .....
>
> Nothing! Engine quit. It was still turning over because the original
Hydra-Matic has a rear pump which many modern trannies don't have. Put it
into neutral, engine quit turning. Got it off the road and tried to start
it. Cranked, but no start. Noticed that the tach (Sun SuperTach 3 refaced
to match the GMC instruments) showed 0 RPM while cranking and every now and
then jumped to 2500+ RPM for a split second.
>
> Most of the modifications I have made to my truck over the years have been
to make it a more reliable and safe daily driver. Alternator, disk brakes,
HEI distributor, etc.
>
> HEI? Well it puts out about twice the spark that the original points type
distributor did. Lets you run wider gaps on your plugs. Increases gas
mileage. Starts on the first turn of the key. Unlike points, does not
deteriorate over time, changing timing and increasing resistance (therefore
decreasing spark voltage). But, when it quits it really quits! Nada! Zip!
Kaput!
>
> $65 tow (I wasn't going to leave it on the road over night, parts stores
were all closed) and a $18 ignition module later (pop the distributor cap
and 2 x 1/4" head screws) and I was back running.
>
> Moral of the story is for $18 bucks carry a spare.
>
> I guess I shouldn't complain too much. This is the second time in 14+
years that my truck has failed to get me home. How many modern vehicles
would have a record like that.
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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