Fixed... Intermittent oh crap

[JohnnyC]

Details:
1974 fj40 f155 (1.5) vac advance dizzy... elec ign conversion


I just changed over my fuel pump as that was a separate issue... but... now cruiser died on highway

But... started back up after the fireball out the tailpipe lol

Obviously raw fuel when I was coasting was in exhaust because I was pumping it to see if it was a fuel thing... while rolling at 40mph in gear it started again... boom that was fun at 10pm lol

Intermittent electrical

Got off my exit a block away from home it died again at a light

Electronic ignition (crane cams conversion on oem vac advance dizzy) was working as the ignition indicator was flashing meaning it was triggering correctly

The ballast resistor was cool... not hot as it should be so thinking I found the issue I temporarily moved the ign power to the ballast to positive on coil and it started

Great ... got home

As I was going to test things I put ign power back on ballast and it started right up

Intermittent electrical ...crap

So now I will need to track things... wife didn't find the humor in the loud bang BTW


Things I can't recall...

Q1 are there any connectors that go from ballast to ignition switch or a straight shot wire?

I am thinking it maybe that or...

Q2 the ignition switch ... I have never had this one apart or off ... earlier cruiser yes... not in column ... easy take out and rebuildable?

Could be ign switch ... it does have 500,000 miles on it

Or... connection as they also have 500k mikes on them LOL

Just planning things before I make it worse

 

[2fpower]

Put jumper from battery positive to hot side of coil, and see if it will continue symptoms. If it works fine, then you need to trace that wire back to ignition switch.

 

[65swb45]

Since I am always suspicious of the Crane system I second @2fpower suggestion to hot wire the ignition.

 

[JohnnyC]

I did this when it crapped out ... immediately started when put 12v to coil +

That's why I believe it is ign switch or wiring

I made a temporary lead to bat + if it does happen again... but... I am going to run it to the ballast first ... straight 12-14v will kill the ign conversion if on too long... the xr700 runs off ballast

Xr3000 can run 12v

Just need to trace wiring but wondering about Q1andQ2

Q1 are there any connectors that go from ballast to ignition switch or a straight shot wire?

Q2 the ignition switch ... easy take out and rebuildable?

Calling @Coolerman

Added info ... gear reduction starter ... so only the one wire to the coil ballast (blk n yellow) it looks like

 

[splitshot]

Pretty sure it is straight shot. Give Kurt a call, and he has the OEM switch in stock.
Cruiser Outfitters

 

[Racer65]

>> the ignition switch ... easy take out and rebuildable?
I wouldn't bother rebuilding a $24 switch. Aftermarket part should be as good as OEM at a fraction of the cost.

 

[bj40green]

If it's the ignition switch..... you also see your gauges drop to zero.
If the gauges work correct, It's not the switch but it's the wiring between switch and coil.

Rudi

 

[JohnnyC]

Fixed

Thank you Mud!!

Well I am pretty confident it was the switch... I was ready with a jumper and all... just hadn't died yet

@bj40green Rudy It occurred to me that when it died on the highway the directionals stopped working ... like somebody turned the key off ... thank you for posting that !!!

That pointed me in the right direction

I pulled out the switch and ran crc electrical cleaner then crc electrical lube in it... works great now

I will be purchasing a new switch ... at some point


Updated my thread:
Previously known as the 'One Week Resto' now Pathetically keeping it alive... 500k

 

[65swb45]

Buy the replacement switch now Johnny. More than one owner has outrun their luck and had the starter engage while on the freeway!

 

[JohnnyC]

Buy the replacement switch now Johnny. More than one owner has outrun their luck and had the starter engage while on the freeway!

This is one of those ... BAD natural consequences...

will do Mark

Thanks!!!