Most modern vehicles use an electronic ignition system rather than the mechanically based breaker-point system that were used on earlier vehicles. Solid-state electronic ignition systems offer a number of advantages over the older mechanical types. Since they have fewer moving parts, they don't wear out as fast and are more resistant to heat, moisture or contamination by dirt or oil. If you have an older or vintage automobile and occasionally have problems with engine starting or difficulty tuning the engine to your liking, an electronic-ignition upgrade kit may make for a substantial improvement. The kit will enable you to update your ignition system to make it more reliable and maintenance free. It includes a new ignition plate (figure A) as well as an ignition module and magnetic shield (figure B). Before installing the unit, the manufacturer recommends several checks. Visually inspect the spark-plug wires, coil wire, distributor cap and rotor to make certain they are in good shape. Replace any of those parts that show signs of wear or deterioration. Check for any loose or poor connections within the ignition circuit, including battery terminals. Finally, check the battery voltage with the engine turned off to be certain that it's around 12 to 14 volts. All of these checks are recommended since installing the upgrade may have little discernible effect on engine performance if there is a problem elsewhere in the system. Once you've made the inspection and found all elements in working order, begin the installation. In our demonstration we installed the kit on a distributor that had been removed from the vehicle for better visibility. Materials:
Electronic-ignition upgrade kit, including installation hardware
Vehicle service manual
Screwdrivers, nut-drivers
Timing light and timing-light instruction manual
As with any automotive project that involves electrical parts or wiring, disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin, to avoid injury or damage to the electrical system. - Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the distributor cap in place, and carefully lift the cap off the distributor. Leave the old spark-plug wires connected to the distributor cap until you are ready to replace them. With the distributor cap removed, locate and remove the rotor button (figure C). It lifts off easily.
- Remove the screws that hold the existing ignition-plate assembly in place (figure D).
- With the screws removed, carefully lift off the assembly (figure E). The new system will not use breaker points or a condenser, so those parts will no longer be necessary. You may want to retain the old ignition plate and associated parts as an emergency backup.
- Make sure that the distributor's mechanical advance is working properly. Lubricate if necessary, and remove any dirt or deposits from the distributor cam and underneath the distributor cap.
- With the old ignition plate removed, install the new plate (figure F). A pin on the side of the plate fits into a small opening in the area of the vacuum advance to help ensure that the plate lines up precisely. Once the plate is seated in position, install the retaining screws and tighten them down.
- Once the plate has been secured, install the electronic module (figure G). The base of the module has two pins that fit into corresponding holes in the plate. The positioning of the pins and holes effectively prevents the module from being installed incorrectly. Install the retaining nuts that hold the assembly in place, but don't tighten them down just yet.
- Install the magnetic sleeve over the end of the distributor cam (figure H). The sleeve fits tightly over the cam. If you have difficulty installing it, you may want to use the rotor to help press it down until it seats properly.
- With the magnetic sleeve in place, follow the manufacturer's instructions to use the feeler gauge (included in the kit) to get the spacing for the proper gap between the sleeve and the module. The gap should be about .030 inches. With the feeler gauge in place (figure I), tighten down the nuts that hold the assembly in place.
- Replace the rotor button and distributor cap. Reconnect the battery.
- Start the engine to try it out, and set the timing as you would with a normal tune-up.
RESOURCES :
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
Professional Tips and Techniques for Tune-Up and Electrical Service
Model: 1879110156
Author: Michael Bishop and Dennis Holmes
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Do-It-Right Publishing
New Hall, CA 91322
Electronic-ignition upgrade kit
Ignitor®
solid-state electronic ignition
from Petronix Inc.
440 E. Arrow Highway
San Dimas, CA 91773
Toll-free: 800-827-3758
Phone: 909-599-5955
Fax: 909-599-6424
Web site: www.petronix.com
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