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Losing Spark

Discussion in '308/328' started by gt1nick, May 9, 2011.

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  1. gt1nick

    gt1nick Karting

    Jan 25, 2010
    193
    DCA/PBI
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    Nick
    #1 gt1nick, May 9, 2011
    So, after months of having the car in storage and knowing about my ignition problem it has come time to revist the issue. I have a 78 GTS with an electromotive set up and it's of the opinion of myself and my mechanic that without a doubt I'm losing spark. I've tried getting in touch with Electromotive directly, but no one seems to answer the phone. Any suggestions on how to diagnose? Or get in contact with electromotive themselves?


    Thanks,

    Nick
     
  2. MNExotics

    MNExotics F1 Rookie
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    Dec 13, 2010
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    Ben Gruenzner
    #2 MNExotics, May 12, 2011
    what do you mean specifically by losing spark. The electomotive set up is based/modeled on a GM style ignition system and I have seen one loose signal from the pickup sensors vibrating in their cradles too much which sometimes results in random spark loss. Next thing is to check for a good ground and loose wires. But without knowing more of the symptoms I don't know what else to tell you.
     
  3. ME308

    ME308 Formula 3

    Nov 5, 2003
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    Michael
    #3 ME308, May 13, 2011
    most probably, your fault is not one of the electromotive ignition...
    the system is flawlessly working if set up right

    check all wiring
    check battery +/-, cut off switch, chassis ground etc.
    check TDC pick up (as said above)
    check current to the coils !
    check all grounds, especially those from the coils to the frame !
     
  4. gt1nick

    gt1nick Karting

    Jan 25, 2010
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    Nick
    #4 gt1nick, May 13, 2011
    Trigger wheel is warped. Ordered a new one and plan to have it installed once it gets in. My next question is if its a pain to adjust to get the right clearance from the sensor. Or does it pretty much bolt straight up and very little adjustment is needed?

    The wheel was actually rubbing against the pickup sensor.
     
  5. Birdman

    Birdman F1 Veteran

    Jun 20, 2003
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    THE Birdman
    #5 Birdman, May 13, 2011
    I had no problem with mine, just put it on. Use loc-tite on the set screws and try to get them equally tight, going around alternating tightening them a little at a time, like you would lug nuts. But Nick's trigger wheel was nice and snug, so I can't see how one set screw could push the whole thing off axis very easily.

    Birdman
     
  6. ME308

    ME308 Formula 3

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    #6 ME308, May 13, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    wow...never heard of that...should not happen...who installed that ?
    the alignment is pretty much straight forward

    see pic
    .
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  7. gt1nick

    gt1nick Karting

    Jan 25, 2010
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    Nick
    #7 gt1nick, May 13, 2011
    Last edited: May 13, 2011
    It was on the car when I bough it from a fellow F-Chatter and worked fine (I gave the car a good 3000+ miles of Italian tune ups with no problem). However, performance started to degrade late last year. I googled the problem and the symptoms of having a warped wheel, almost to the "T", described my problems. Also, after talking with Electromotive, they agree that this is likely the issue. Everything else checked out.
     
  8. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
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    Steve W.
    #8 FasterIsBetter, May 13, 2011
    Nick,

    The system came from Nick Forza. You can always contact him if you are having any problems. The timing wheel on your car was a special wheel that Nick provided because the "stock" timing wheel would not line up with the sensor and sit fully on the damper. If the replacement from Electromotive does not sit correctly, either contact Nick or use a spacer under the mount to get the two to line up.

    When you install the ring, be sure that you Lock-tite the screws, and do not overtighten them so as not to distort the ring. If you can, once the wheel is in position (and you've verified that the engine is running properly), drill a small indent in the damper at each hole to keep the ring from moving. Also, it sounds like the set screw on your sensor loosened up and the sensor moved. The sensor does sit close to the teeth, but there should be an air gap between them which should be set with a feeler gage to the recommended gap.

    Hope that helps. Also, you have a PM.

    Steve
     

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