Re: IML: 64 Iml Cvt engine fire

My experience with plug wires has been nothing more than running on six or seven cylinders rather than all 8 and no back firing. If they are all really old (I mean really old) and arcing, then what you describe could happen. You would see blue flashes under the hood in the dark. Are you sure that the distributor cap isn't cracked? Your description doesn't sound as much like a misfire, as maybe a cross fire. I wouldn't be so quick to eliminate that ignition system either. If it isn't working the way that it is suppose to, it can do the things that you describe. I have experienced the complete failure of electronic ignition systems, and I have also experienced partial failure, caused by loose or dirty connections (check the coil), and ultimately frying sensitive circuitry.

I don't know yet. I don't think it was the carb. They installed a new 1406, same as before and rewired everything.

However, when I picked it up, it still was flat spotting and backfiring when I give it more gas. Got to be electrical. I doubt it's the Pertronix ignition module, though. Spent a lot of time researching and found that when they fail, they do so suddenly without any warning.

The timing is at 5 degrees BTC; I changed it from about 15. I'm thinking the plugs and wires - sounds like a misfire to me. I had this problem before and found that one of the spark plug boots had come loose and was barely making contact and on acceleration or turns, the engine would falter and pop.

I checked the connections before the fire, but perhaps one of the wires or plugs is bad and is causing a misfire. I'll pick the car up again from the shop on Tuesday and I will replace the plug wires and switch to Autolite 85's.

Someone mentioned that the timing chain may have jumped. I don't hot rod it, so I can't figure how that may have happened.

But, it idles steady as a rock and at slow feed on the gas, there is no problem. Keep your fingers crossed for me - I hope it's the plugs and wires, cause that's a heck of a lot cheaper than alternatives.

Thanks all for the suggestions, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (Would you believe it snowed in vegas last week?)

Jay D'Angelo
64 Iml Cvt
Las Vegas

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: IML: 64 Iml Cvt engine fire - need alt gauge
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2006 19:49:15 -0500
From: randalpark@xxxxxxx

I don't recall the actual cause of your fire. Can you briefly tell us again? Was it electrical, fuel, or power steering related?

Thanks!

Paul W.

-----Original Message-----
From: cadij@xxxxxxxxxxx
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sat, 23 Dec 2006 3:37 PM
Subject: IML: 64 Iml Cvt engine fire - need alt gauge

Well, the engine compartment was re-wired by a shop in Las Vegas that specializes in automotive electrical work. They did everything from the fuse box out through the firewall and did a nice job. Instead of wrapping all the wires to make it look original, I opted for the coiled plastic sheathing - looks pretty good actually.

The first place I took it to wanted $2300 and, after a week of looking at it, they decided they didn't want to tackle the job. The other outfit did a clean job and only charged $1300, including the new carb.

Next week, I will clean up the engine bay and detail everything again; and get a new fire extinguisher. I want to emphasize again the importance of having a FIRE EXTINGUISHER on board - it saved my car.

I have one problem, though. The alternator gauge got fried when the wire got too hot and I need a replacement.

Anyone have a spare working amp gauge for my 64?

Jay D'Angelo
64 Iml Cvt
Las Vegas
702 400-3749

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