Ignitor Woes
 

Okay, I'm driving to work yesterday, and all of a sudden, theres a power loss, difficulty getting up to speed, and an idle of around 500 rpm. Car was backfiring a lot anywhere above 4000 rpm. So, I take it easy to work, and after my shift, the car starts up, but still under the same symptoms.

After I get home, I pull out the timing light, and unbelievably theres no spark going to the leading plugs at all! I never thought I could run the car on just trailing.

I tested the coils with a multimeter, looked to be fine. I pulled off the leading ignitor and tried the test in the Haynes manual, it failed.

Anyway, I went to the junkyard, and found a pretty un-molested SA, and pulled out the 2 J-105 ignitors.

My question is, Can I use the J-105 Ignitor in place of the blown J-109. I understand the length is different, and one of the mounting screwholes is further down, but I can make that work. As long as it works at least temporarily so I can start driving my car again.

Thanks,



Cliff Notes: Will a J105 work in place of a J109 Ignitor?

Dark Frost i have a few used Ignitors the smaller ones you are looking for....$10 each plus shipping... Grab your old ignitor see if you can fix it just remove the backin piece and see if you see something that might need soldering.

I'll keep that in mind, though I'd rather get the car running asap. Does the backing just pop off the old ignitor?

make your own igniter tester.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...gnitertest.jpg

Just swap the Trailing one into the leading. That will get you working until you can get the correct one.

No clue about the answer to your question

Thats the method i used to test the one leading I had.

:withstupi Thats what Id do anyway.

I was thinking about swapping the trailing out, but I dont have one of those funny screwdrivers, and dont really feel like pulling off the alternator to get to it. I'm gonna try the J105 and see how it goes. I'll let you all know how I do after I get home.

Dont say i told you this but a Really good small VISE GRIP will loosen the bolts enough to remove them with your hand

lol.. the bolts are so rusted, I'd rather just leave those there.

BUT, the good news is, the J-105 works! And, if it craps out, I still have another J-105.

So, all is almost well again. I'm setting the timing now, and am gonna re-tune the carbs, make sure they're in sync and everything.

If I understand correctly, just the leading ignition will run the car. If so, I have never been able to do so w/o the trailing. I have driven weeks just on the trailing, as soon as it goes w/ or w/o the leading, I am dead in the water. Please tell me if I am missing something.

I will say that I have been using gm iginitors on one of my 7s for several months now with equal, if not better performance than a j109 and when my supply of j109s dry up, I will change my other 7 over. There is something about a $13 ignitor w/ a lifetime warranty that appeals to me.

come down to LA for SS8 and I will give ya a dozen of those igniters. shit, I will even do your direct fire. ;)

Can we get more info on these gm ignitors???

HEI ignitors,

Ask a parts store for an ignitor (ignition module in the computer), and its a Wells Ignition Module for a 1979 Chevy Nova. Around $20 each or so, as I have read.

http://www.needfulthings.net/cgi-bin...ST;f=77;t=1511

Grrr....why cant there be more pics...lol

That is very tempting, however I don't see that traveling across the country to p/u 12 igniters as being very cost effective for me so I will have to pass.

It sounds like a good deal to me. He didn't even ask for a case of heine. :D

You just reminded me of all the vineyards and microbreweries out there. Here in Alabama malt beverages can not exceed an alcohol content of 5.9% or be packaged in containers over 16oz. It seems like a crying shame for one to favor an import with a wide choice of local beverages.