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Ignition & Wiring Clinic?

7.4K views 58 replies 19 participants last post by  Junk Yard Genius  
#1 ·
I recently found an ignition display while cleaning out crap from a storage space...
Not any of the ignitions we use in Jeeps, but a display none the less...

This prompted a conversation about ignitions and ignition upgrades with some of the guys around here...

My girlfriend, in an effort to find me MORE things to do again, decided I needed to put on a demonstration/seminar like we used to on the show car circuit...

If I were to put on a demonstration of ignitions and their components at the Bash or Redbird sometime, would anyone be interested enough to attend?

I'd hate to spend a bunch of money on displays and components
(especially since this would be a free seminar)
and not have anyone interested enough to dedicate an hour or two...

Thoughts, ideas, Yea, Nay...
What do you think?
 
#3 ·
We're not talking about free electron or electron flow theory!

I'm talking about making up a display with the different coils, ignition modules, ect. so they can be compared side by side.

This would graphically illustrate the effects on an ignition from wire size, module, coil, ect. and why this happens...

Anyway, I can't do anything about your geographic location, but 'Getting It' won't be a problem...
 
#4 ·
Re: Ignition & Wiring Clinic?

That would be awesome. Can't say I'd be able to make it but I bet a bunch could.

And on the humorous side................would there be beer? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
#6 ·
As for beer, if you bring beer, there will be beer!
--------------------
We can talk about it all day, disagree and argue about every little point, but until you actually see some of this stuff work in side by side testing it's hard to get a grip on what's actually going on...

I have piles of ignition crap lying around, so it's just a matter of making up the display with wiring harnesses...
So a bunch of greasy fingers can switch from one coil to another or from one module to another...

Maybe show some differences in distributor design, and how to tune your distributor for your particular application.
It's a lead pipe cinch I have plenty of distributor housings laying around here to make a display!

Anyway, think it over and post your thoughts on the subject.
 
#7 ·
I'd definetly go to this! I'm struggling with this wrenching stuff having to fall back on my High school auto class experience (which fades by the week!) and unfortunately, I know more than any one I hang with. I could pay someone but then it's not 'my' Jeep, it's the one I paid for. Are any of these events close to New England? If not, sorry I can't be there, but I'm sure I'm not the ONLY teachable Moron in the Jeep community! Good luck with it at any rate!
 
#10 ·
How about a DVD? Maybe add discussions on oil and oil filters, air filters. You know the common issues people struggle with on any auto. No sponsership just a no nonsence expination on what is gimmic and what is fact! Hell the money saved on gimmic over priced oil or plugs would pay for a DVD.
Keep us posted.
And yes Id attend a seminar on ignitions at a jamboree. Yours is just to far for me to go to.
 
#11 ·
I'm all for the 'No Sponsorship' thing, but professionally done videos cost money, and quite a bit of it, so either the videos would be very low cost with advertising in them, or the videos would be very expensive to cover production costs...

As for this 'Class', it would cover pieces and parts that we all commonly use on our 'Heeps'...

DuraSpark modules, HEI modules, Canister coils, E-core coils, ect. Set it all up on mix and match plugs so you can see what happens when you use 'This' with 'That'...

Some failed parts with explanations of what and why the parts failed wouldn't be out of bounds with this set up...
 
#22 ·
I'm all for the 'No Sponsorship' thing, but professionally done videos cost money, and quite a bit of it, so either the videos would be very low cost with advertising in them, or the videos would be very expensive to cover production costs....
You're a tad far for me to travel, as well, but I would most definitely be interested in a DVD. Advertising is OK by me, as there might be some stuff out there that I need that I don't know I need - yet! ;)

thanks!
 
#13 ·
[ QUOTE ]
"I'd be in that crowd....hoping for electron flow theory"

[/ QUOTE ]

I wouldn't mind that, except it takes too much time to explain without graphically illustrating it...
And I'm not going to bring in Fuel cells, static generators, ect...

There are guys Here than claim to be Electrical Engineers that can't tell you were free electrons come from, how static electricity is produced in an automotive context, or what effects it has on our electrical systems and other parts...
I'm not about to get into a 5 hour argument with a 'Know It All' (all the while trying to teach the self appointed 'engineer' the basics),
While simultaneously trying to keep the attention of the guys that were there to learn something practical about their particular Jeep...
------------------------------

And RRich is right, it is a never ending battle, but this particular display/tutor session would have a finite ending...
When I get tired or bored!!!
We are talking 'For Free' here, so I get to quit when I want too!
------------------------------

Get us some parts, a signal generator or distributor turning motor, a white board for drawings, and some handouts for the guys that 'Pre Register' (I'd have to know how many to print, hence the 'Pre Register') and the rest had better have good memories!

Anyway, it would answer some of the most asked questions we get here with live, provable information.
Doesn't hurt anything, and you may actually learn something!

Anyway, I'll need to know ahead of time to prepare things, so if the powers that 'Be' are interested, let me know...
 
#14 ·
What type of output will you need on a signal generator? I have an HP pulse generator or a Wavetec that I would be willing to loan for a while. I also have an old geared down motor with a chuck on the end that might attach to a distributor but I don't know what the RPMs are off the top of my head. I actually think a turning distributor would be better. Ever thought about asking someplace like Summit Racing or 4WD Hardware give you some parts for free? You might be able to swing a deal by offereing them a DVD of your presentation.

To bad your to far away, I have some 4'-8' white boards laying around but it would be exspensive to ship.
 
#15 ·
Actually, the signal generator I use now is made by MSD for testing ignition systems.
Digital, with RPM readout, so there isn't any real question what it "Should" show is going on.
It's adjustable for 4, 6 or 8 cylinders, so that about covers what we will be dealing with.

I like to use about a 1/4 HP motor to turn the distributors with.
It's easy to attach a (round) flat plate to a distributor shaft, then use the motor to turn the plate.
By moving the motor closer of father away from center, you can turn the distributor at different speeds.
Same way the old distributor machines used to.
Too bad I can't find another old 'Rotunda' distributor machine or one about like it again...
Those things were great for setting up distributors!

I'm going to have to hunt up a 12 volt motor for the process, I can't always be sure of a 120 volt supply unless I bring a generator or inverter, and since everything else is 12 volt, might as well make the distributor stand 12 volt also.
I think I have some compressor motors around here that will fit the bill... I'll have to look.

Too bad about the white boards! Those I could use!
Can't have too many 'Think Out Loud' boards! (Or book cases!)
My desk looks like a junk pile with all the parts and drawings and research materials...
My girlfriend keeps asking when Frankenstein will walk.../ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
 
#19 ·
Are you going to be there Dale?

If so, I'll make SURE I'm there.
I'd sure like to have your RSVP...

As for the displays, I haven't spent any money yet, but I've worked out some pretty interesting display designs...
 
#21 ·
"IF" I have time to get the display ready, it will mostly be a display with the possible combinations of things, coils, triggers, modules, ect. with switches so you can play 'Mix-N-Match' with components, and maybe some wiring diagrams in handout form that guys can take with them.

We may have a 'Class' in proper wiring, including connections, connectors, wire sizing, switching, ect.
I can answer some specific questions about what will and won't work, and why things work the way the do.
Most guys learn from others mistakes (unlike women) so that should be the quickest way to do things...

My tail bone didn't heal correctly, so I'm still in a lot of pain most of the time, so I can be a little 'Short Tempered', but if someone is asking a legitimate question, I always have, and always will, take time to answer it...
(See my posts for newbies)

What I would like as a little help from guys like John Strenk or some of the other guys that know a diode from a rock...
Some 'Co-Instructors' would be a lot of help with specific problems people have!

Just to make it clear, I'm not interested in 'What If' questions...
I'm interested in people with current problems we can help with, or people with projects that they just aren't quite sure how to go about things.

Leave the 'What If's..." to ambulance chasing lawyers, I'm interested in real people with problems we can fix...
 
G
#24 ·
Hear is a real Problem!!

I am looking to replace my distributor (it is cracked and leaking oil) but know absolutly nothing of what to replace it with

example

there are alot of people using HEI or TFI?

what are the reasons to use one of these vs the stock distributor? what would you recommend?
 
#31 ·
I am looking to replace my distributor (it is cracked and leaking oil) but know absolutly nothing of what to replace it with

example

there are alot of people using HEI or TFI?

what are the reasons to use one of these vs the stock distributor? what would you recommend?
Now how did anyone help this guy?

It's and open public forum...

Did this guy get lost somewhere?

Maybe we should discuss that.

Post 1 of ? (until the learning curve has been completed)

:cheers:
Dale
 
#27 ·
I am looking to replace my distributor (it is cracked and leaking oil) but know absolutly nothing of what to replace it with
I would answer your question but I am not getting involved in a fight. PM me if you want my opinion.
Shouldn't be very hard, or cause a fight...
Discussion is good, and if we can keep it to facts, there shouldn't be a problem...

As for distributors leaking oil, Doesn't happen.
The gasket at the base of the distributor can leak oil, but the distributor it's self can't leak oil...
A 0.50¢ gasket may fix your problem with the oil leak...

The only reason you should have to 'Replace' a distributor is if you can't find parts to repair yours.
Most parts for the I-6 distributor are still for sale over the counter, including a vacuum advance.

Do a few tests first...
Grab the distributor shaft and wobble it from side to side. If you have less than 1/8" movment either way from center, then the top busing is fine.

Use a piece of clean vacuum hose, connect it to the vacuum advance on the distributor, and suck!
If you can draw and hold a vacuum for more than a few seconds, the vacuum advance diaphram is fine.

Use a multi-meter on the pick up coil connector.
If the coil is within spec. you have no real problems with the distributor.

Change/Upgrade the cap and rotor when needed and it will serve you well.

The weak point of your ignition is NOT the Motorcraft distributor.
That Motorcraft distributor is more precise and of better quality than any GM HEI (or aftermarket clone) on the market.

The problem with the Motorcraft distributor and DuraSpark ignition module is the DuraSpark ignition module needs a resistor wire to operate properly.
That electrical resistor is robbing your ignition of potential spark energy, but it's nessary to keep the DuraSpark module alive.

Some of us that have years in this particular subject, have gone to upgrading the distributor with a good cap and rotor,
(Off the shelf items from Ford, from '82 Ford F-150 with 300 CID I-6 engine, Cap adaptor, Cap, Rotor)

Image


and then 'Scab' in a module from something else.
I normally use MSD 6 series moules.

If you want more reliability, just use a GM HEI module,

Image

This particular one just plugs in where your DuraSpark module came out, no cutting in the harness, no silly stuff...

Here is the diagram,
Image


If you are like me, and want to get every last bit of performance out of your system you can, use this diagram with a relay.
http://www.JunkYardGenius.com/ignition/jeep/IMAGES/HEIwire06.gif
This particular wiring diagram supplies a full 12 volts to the module, something the stock Jeep/Ford wiring harness can't do...
 
#28 ·
Just a little funny... But there's no fight here.

Well damn... Where's the 10ga wire?

And is there a relay in there somewhere?

Is this a Jeep? There just has to be a relay if it's an old Jeep. Not to mention a "10 Gauge Wire" (that's what runs all of my Jeep).

:chairfall:

It's a hard thing.... :shocked:

Or maybe it's just a long learning curve.

:cheers:
Dale
 
#29 ·
Funny on the leaking oil distributor --

A few years back I had a girlfriend tell me she needed to save up $1200 for a new distributor (before I met my current wife.) A shop had told her she needed a new distributor - and if she didn't replace it soon it would start a fire - it might even cause an explosion!

She pulled the cap herself to show me - bragging that she knew "all about cars" - you've heard it.

She showed me - I don't remember what kind of car it was, but the distributor only had a cap and rotor inside.

She showed me the "oil," sure enough, about half a teaspoon of oil sitting in the bottom. I dipped my finger in it, then smelled it (the oil) - yup, that familiar WD-40 perfume smell.

And it was supposed to be a "reputable shop."

$1200? Explosion?
 
#30 ·
Funny on the leaking oil distributor --

A few years back I had a girlfriend tell me she needed to save up $1200 for a new distributor (before I met my current wife.) A shop had told her she needed a new distributor - and if she didn't replace it soon it would start a fire - it might even cause an explosion!

She pulled the cap herself to show me - bragging that she knew "all about cars" - you've heard it.

She showed me - I don't remember what kind of car it was, but the distributor only had a cap and rotor inside.

She showed me the "oil," sure enough, about half a teaspoon of oil sitting in the bottom. I dipped my finger in it, then smelled it (the oil) - yup, that familiar WD-40 perfume smell.

And it was supposed to be a "reputable shop."

$1200? Explosion?
Sure I'm a little thick sometimes...

Remind me how this relates...

Sorry for the interruption, you folks do what you have to do. That learning curve thing is a real pain.

:cheers:
Dale