L16 running very poor. Ideas?

[banzai510(hainz)]

update?

[hobbes_the_cat]

I ordered a new ignition module and it should arrive today. I’ll install and let you guys know what happens. 

[hobbes_the_cat]

Installed new ignition module, still no spark.   

[hobbes_the_cat]

So I checked my key “on” voltage wire has 12 volts but my key “start” wire only has 9 volts while the engine is turning over. That’s not right is it?

 

[datzenmike]

Probably about right with the starter load. Disconnect the start wire from the starter and read the end with key in start position. Then it will be 12 or maybe a little less.

[datzenmike]

36 minutes ago, hobbes_the_cat said:

Installed new ignition module, still no spark.   

 

Now you paid for something you don't need.

 

 

Have you checked that you have 12 v on the coil + terminal.

 

 

[hobbes_the_cat]

Yup with the starter disconnected it jumped back to 12v so yes I have 12v at on and start positions. 

[datzenmike]

Then probably more than enough to keep the solenoid engaged. If still hit or miss the solenoid may be bad or the electrical contacts inside the starter pitted and dirty. Is the positive battery connection on the starter lug clean and tight?

[hobbes_the_cat]

Yes I have 12v at the coil for on and start as well. 

[hobbes_the_cat]

It’s not hit or miss. The starter spins the engine very strong and the voltage at the wires and coil are a solid 12v. I just have no spark. 

[hobbes_the_cat]

Battery is new. Cables are newer and clean. No corossion at connections or otherwise. 

 

Sonce im getting correct voltage at the coil what is left? 

I hope this module is not junk, the made in China sticker doesn’t inspire confidence when it comes to electronics. 

[datzenmike]

 

 

 

It's wired this way????

[hobbes_the_cat]

Yes. Exactly that way. 

[hobbes_the_cat]

Oh my goodness. I’m going to pull my hair out. 

Since the new module didn’t make a difference and I still had no spark I swapped the original module back in. Looked over the distributor real good to see if there was any loose parts and all looks smooth. 

Reinstalled the dizzy and now it has spark. Still not enough to start but its coughing and sputtering...

thats all I did. Didn’t adjust the timing wen I pulled the dizzy, I pulled the base with it. 

[hobbes_the_cat]

So I got it running! 

After cranking it forever I decided to put it on the battery charger to avoid running the battery dead. It wasn’t even struggling to spin the engine yet but I did it as a precaution. A min after plugging it in it fired up! Ran terrible, wouldn’t rev, backfired like crazy but I kept it going till it would hold idle and it gradually felt like it was running better every minute. 

So I I’m plugged the charger and checked the voltage at the battery and it was still at 12v... alternator is not charging. 

I hooked up the charger again and let it run with the charger hooked up and it eventually ran great. 

 

So I think this is the conclusion. 

Battery had more than enough juice to spin the starter, run lights ect but wasn’t quite enough to power up the electronic ignition. 

That’s why it ran pretty good when I first fired it off, the battery was fully charged but as it ran down (even tho still reading 12.2 volts) wasn’t enough to keep the ignition going. 

 

I’m going to get the alternator working and see if that was it. 

 

Thanks for all all the help guys.