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77 Trans Am engine cuts out
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jyank
User
Oct 26, 2015, 1:50 PM
Post #1 of 8
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77 Trans Am engine cuts out
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77 Pontiac TA, 400 V8, 54000 miles. Car would not start. Had no spark. Replaced coil and IC module. Fired right up. Was good for about 3 weeks. Would not start again. The next day before working on the car I tried to start it. Fired right up. Was ok until yesterday. No start and no spark. Today I replaced the IC module again. Fired right up. Went for a test drive. Engine cut out after about 3 miles. Was running perfect until then. Turned the key started right up. Heading back home cut out again. Turned key started right up. Made it back to my garage. Any ideas on this. I can't figure out this one.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 26, 2015, 2:04 PM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: 77 Trans Am engine cuts out
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Used to be an issue with some that wires inside distributor would rub against inside of distributor to that module and be intermittent and or kill those. That was especially so if distributor had a vacuum advance but could be any and any connections to it and to distributor. Good chance of that with this history so far,
T
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 26, 2015, 4:22 PM
Post #3 of 8
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Re: 77 Trans Am engine cuts out
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HEI? If so, pick up coil could cause that. Almost impossible to check with the engine running because there is no way to get to the wiring under the cap. You can use an ohm meter to check the resistance of it, but sometimes that can be inconclusive.
Also make sure you have good power from the ignition switch on the red wire at the distributor when it doesn't want to start. You may need to use your volt meter and a wire piercing probe to check ignition voltage to the distributor when it craps out to verify you have good power.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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jyank
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Oct 26, 2015, 4:23 PM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: 77 Trans Am engine cuts out
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Thanks for the reply and the info. I will take it apart tomorrow and check out the wires for bare spots and rubbing. Also, would a bad pick coil cause this?
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jyank
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Oct 26, 2015, 4:30 PM
Post #5 of 8
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Re: 77 Trans Am engine cuts out
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Discretesignals you just answered my reply. Thanks. Is a pick up coil hard to replace? Never did that. I heard for my vehicle it costs about 40 bucks.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Oct 26, 2015, 4:52 PM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: 77 Trans Am engine cuts out
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Not too bad. You may need something to press the distributor gear on and off with.
If you google HEI pick up coil removal, you find tons of information.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Oct 26, 2015, 4:58 PM)
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jyank
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Oct 26, 2015, 5:11 PM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: 77 Trans Am engine cuts out
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Thanks a lot you guys are great. Got some work to do tomorrow. Going to check wires inside cap as mentioned by Tom. If I can't see any problems I'll get a new pick up coil and get started. Thanks again for your time. I will let you know the results.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 26, 2015, 10:42 PM
Post #8 of 8
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Re: 77 Trans Am engine cuts out
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Think you are on your way to the fix. DS knew of this too and I haven't had repeat troubles for a pick up coil on those then and none around now. Was easy so long as a roll pin and shaft of dist. was clean with tools a mechanic usually has around. Pullers but careful. Thrust type washer I think also can break. Roll pin if lost can't be dropped into hole if you do this make sure it's right.
I think hardware store for roll pins as needed? Been ages.
Wires were common even newer. Really look at them. I recall just a finger to move them so they didn't rub if touching and liquid tape patch or probably a new or used dist at the time. Insulation will begin to fail with heat and time,
Good luck, T
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