X2BOARD

LSVT, b16/b18a, b16 distr., LS internals

This is a LONG POST about distributor problems (possibly) so if you can help, PLEASE READ ON

Ok, I had some prior problems with the distributor using an MSD and external ignition coil. I came out to my car and she just wouldn't start... sounded like no spark, and upon further inspection... there wasn't... not even power from the ext. coil. I reassembled the distributor with a stock internal coil and replaced it. The car started fine and had decent power (still did not have Vtec connected tho and running an LS ECU)


The problems started when I installed the wiring for Vtec yesterday and rigged the Knock Sensor to a 2000 GSR ecu. The KS is laying in the car as the block is not tapped for it yet. The car ran like complete *** for a while, I reversed the connectors on the KS and it ran a bit better, but still stumbly in some areas of the rpm band. A slight adjustment of fuel pressure helped, but the car really got moving smoothly when I simply took off the KS. What also was happening was the tach was jumping around... especially higher in the rpm band 4K+ and would even spike to straight down for short bursts... it was not very accurnate when not bouncing... this happend with and without the KS attached.

Vtec engagement was not very shocking... and despite running a b16 head, I felt vtec in 2 stages... 1st was weak and the tach read about 4800-5000.... then again, but stronger at around 6000-6400 and on... getting faster the higher the rpms went. The car drove decently for about 3 hours, only throwing the code 65 for secondary O2..... (when KS was connected) and no misfires. On the way home, turning at an intersection... I pulled off in 1st and the car just sputtered very weakly and DIED. Tried to turn it over, and nothing... same sound as when the MSD died... but it did turn over, did an arc test on the plug wire and no spark.

Here is where I think I screwed up. When re-attaching the distributor, I did not reset to TDC as the car never moved, I figured I would just replace the distributor the way I took it out (align the slot in the camshaft) But I am beginning to wonder if I put it at the wrong angle and changed the (distributor timing) ??? I am running a 9.0:1 CR, so (if that senario happened) I am hoping if the timing were too advanced, an that I am running 93 octane... I did not damage anything.

I will still assume the distributor or just the ICM to be exact, is the problem... Is it possible for an ICM to kick out the way I described ?

PLEASE HELP....

X2

b18bturbo

what is your timing set at now.. after you did your distributor change. If tis not to advanced you should be okay. i mean your car will pull like mad bitch with advanced timing but you are going to be prone to the detonation. I dont think you should have seen too many problems. you really need to get that knock sensor tapped somewhere... Its jacks with timing as well based on the knock it detects.

X2BOARD

The timing didn't feel too advanced as the car feels quite slow before AND in vtec. But the very thought of possible detonation is quite scary ! I know what the KS does, but can't afford a tap ust yet... and you know where the KS goes... it's a bit of a bitch to put in.... But I'll get in on the motor eventually.

X2

VaporTrail

conditions you describe indicate coil or ICM. I've seen them both fail the same way.

X2BOARD

I suspect the ICM as I already tested the ignition coil and that fell between the Helm's specs at .9 on the terms and 17.8 on the spring. So I think I have a spare ICM somewhere... I'm gonna give that a try this evening.

Thanks so far fellas !

X2

X2BOARD

I FIXED IT !!! I ran all of the continuity tests recommended by the Helms manual and the wiring was fine, so I definitely determined the ICM to be at fault. I luckily had some parts from a B16 distr. and swapped in the ICM and VOILA! She cranks !

Thanks for the help to those of you who responded !

X2

EE_Chris

And the mighty Helms comes through once again!

Glad to hear you fixed it.