Driving along and POW!!!

[FL-Frank]

I was out for a drive this am, and all was good for about an hour or so.

Then, upon exiting a 25 mph residential area, I wound it out in 2nd gear to about 5K, and shifted to 3rd gear. Upon shifting into 3rd gear there was a loud backfire, a cloud of black smoke out the rear, and the engine cut out.
It cranks strong but won't start.

I walked home, got the wife, her Lexus, and a rope to tow it home.

2.4 with MFI, Blue Permatune Ignitor. Other than a very occasional backfire with black smoke when letting off the gas, it runs flawlessly.

Any ideas on what the most likley cause of the no-start issue is?

[Mudi]

I've had that come off under acceleration before. Bob

[orange911]

Frank,

After you fix the "no-start" issue, I recommend the following thread for eliminating the backfiring:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showt...hreadid=160057

[Flat Six, inc.]

Check the CD box....

[Mr9146]

In addition to checking the trigger wire, I'd inspect the magnet wheel on the distributor shaft. I've seen ONE that came apart, spit out the magnets out of place and have the same problem you're having ... it was an elusive problem because it wasn't obvious. You may need to take the distributor out and inspect it on the bench.

[FL-Frank]

Thank you all for the advice.

I was thinking.....could it be as simple as a bad ignition coil? The current bosch unit is nearly 4years old. How long do they typically last? Any tell-tale signs as they go bad or do they simply quit?

I had a 356C coupe about 5 years ago that just shut down without warning while stopped at a traffic light. I had the car towed to the shop on a flatbed; and low and behold, the coil was bad.

[mike curnow]

They basicilly never go bad except when they go bad? My experience is they go bad when they heat up, then they might work when they cool down. Also the Tack can cause electrical problems sometimes. Might want to disconnect the purple and black wire at the distributor. Electric problems, always hard to figure.

[72tii]

Thank you all for the advice.

I was thinking.....could it be as simple as a bad ignition coil? The current bosch unit is nearly 4years old. How long do they typically last? Any tell-tale signs as they go bad or do they simply quit?

I had a 356C coupe about 5 years ago that just shut down without warning while stopped at a traffic light. I had the car towed to the shop on a flatbed; and low and behold, the coil was bad.

If it's one of the silver Bosch coils that are made in Brazil, you might be on to something. The silver ones have a bad habit of breaking down especially under heat. Do you still have the original short black factory Bosch coil? It would be an easy thing to change out just to eliminate the coil.

[FL-Frank]

If it's one of the silver Bosch coils that are made in Brazil, you might be on to something. The silver ones have a bad habit of breaking down especially under heat. Do you still have the original short black factory Bosch coil? It would be an easy thing to change out just to eliminate the coil.

HI Mike,

Yes, it's the Brazilian silver coil. Unfortunately, I don't have the original factory part.

I just pulled the coil wire from the distributor cap, taped the end about 1/4" from metal, and cranked the engine. Result - NO SPARK. So, that probably means it's the coil, correct?

What's the best replacement part to get? Another Brazilian silver one like Pelican sells? Or?

[69Sman]

HI Mike,

Yes, it's the Brazilian silver coil. Unfortunately, I don't have the original factory part.
What's the best replacement part to get? Another Brazilian silver one like Pelican sells? Or?

No, do not get another silver one, they are crap, crap, crap. You would be far better off finding a used black one, either made in Germany or Spain, both are FINE. And they are pretty easy to find.