DUI done blew up... or something

[1967JMG]

I've been running a DUI for about a year with no problems. While driving down the road the other day there were two big back fires accompanied by two big puffs of dark smoke. Now I have no spark. Checked all the wires, replaced the cap and module. Wondering if the rotor or the internal coil might have blown.
Any ideas anyone????
Thanks, in advance,
JMG

 

[CoupeBoy]

You can pull the coil and test the primary and secondary windings (parts stores used to have charts for testing them) you should also get out a test light and make sure you are still getting power to everything. Are there any other electronics between the battery and the distributor to worry about? Like a triggered relay?

Thanks,
-ron

 

[1967JMG]

Nothing between the battery and distributor. I used a test light to see If power is getting to it and it is. But there is no spark at the plugs. I've been reading some old chevy forums and have read that just replacing the rotor has fixed priblems like this so that seems like a cheap enough fix and if that doesnt work, it can't hurt to have a new one anyway. I'll give that a shot then move to the coil I suppose.

 

[wsa111]

Did you spin the engine over with the cap off?
A wiped distributor gear would prevent the rotor from turning.
You might want to pull the distributor to check the gear just to be sure.
DUI's are famous for rotor failure where the spark goes right to ground.
Like you stated, after that get your ohm meter out & go from there. Bill

 

[MustangSix]

Could also be a sudden failure of the ignition module.

 

[vssman]

There's only a few parts inside of the distributor besides the gear...

If the rotor is spinning and you have power going to the unit, then it has to be either the pickup, module, coil or rotor (there's nothing else in there). If you need to get less expensive parts to diagnose, a 1980 chevy truck with a 6 cyl is what you want to ask for. I'd ohm out the coil and if it's Ok replace the module. I'm not sure if the auto parts store still can check the module for you like they used. Mine quit after about 50 miles and the module was N.G. It just died and wouldn't start. The pickup coil is the only electrical part that requires the distributor to be removed in order to replace.

 

[bubba22349]

Check the cap center post they can wear enough so it won't touch the rotor

 

[wsa111]

I've been running a DUI for about a year with no problems. While driving down the road the other day there were two big back fires accompanied by two big puffs of dark smoke. Now I have no spark. Checked all the wires, replaced the cap and module. Wondering if the rotor or the internal coil might have blown.
Any ideas anyone????
Thanks, in advance,
JMG

He states he has already replaced the module & cap.
That leaves the coil, pickup coil,rotor @ stripped distributor gear or sheared pin that secures gear to shaft.
To be on the safe side, if it does turn out a gear issue you better check for a seized oil pump. Bill

 

[vssman]

Whoops... It helps not to do too many things at once when surfing the net.

I'd be surprised if the pickup coil was actually it as they tend to fail due to wire fatigue from the vacuum advance pulling it repeatedly over time. But when they do go, they tend to cause a sputter on acceleration and then they completely die when the wire completely breaks.

 

[1967JMG]

That actually sounds pretty close to what happened, except i was at cruising speed

 

[1967JMG]

tinkered with it a little after work. the rotor isn't spinning... i guess i should pull it out and check the distributor gear. any recommendations on anything i should check before ripping the sucker out?

 

[1967JMG]

okay. nevermind. pulled it out and the gear was in pieces. replaced it with a new one i had lying around and she runs. now how do i get the timing right after the motor was turning but the distributor wasn't. i know its way off now...

 

[bubba22349]

Set engine to TDC on #1 than check the distributor rotors is pointing at the #1 cap post. Next get timing light out and set your initial timing (vacuum advance off and plugged) 10 to 12 BTDC and hook up the vacuum line and test performance from there adding more lead if you can. If you get pigging and or hard starting (kick back) than back off the timing some. Good luck

 

[FalconSedanDelivery]

Your the 2nd owner ( that I am aware of ) of a DUI , that has let you down , never was a Fan of them