Been having problems with it dying, every time I figure it out, it comes right back. I figured that when the problem happens the ignition is dead (damn MSD) but after 15mins it's working again, I thought I fixed it when I found a loose neg wire. Ran great for a day and then tonight....


I'm about to break something right now... Thats really unlike me....


I had it idling outside of the airport and the engine died again. I had been warming it up and it wasn't even up to 1/5th temp so I turned on the fan and went inside to piss. Came back outside, engine dead, fuelpump and fan still running fine. I pull out the timing light, sure enough, no spark while cranking.

I wiggle wires for a while, check this and that, no luck. Got my coworker to crank it while its dead, first click, fires right up, turned the fan on and went over to look at a buddies car. Figured I'd let it idle a bit to make sure its going to be fine on the freeway, I really don't want to on the side of the dark highway. (I live in a "dark" town)

So I'm standing about 50 yards from the truck and I look over at it, steam shooting into the air, I can see it in the airport lights. I run to it, but its too late. Engine is pegged red, steam coming out of the overflow. I quickly shut off the engine leaving the fan running. I get a towel from inside and pull the cap. Cap might have left a dent in the hood during re-entry.


I filled it up with about a gallon of drinking fountian water. The enigne has never had anything but distilled water and toyota red, also never had anything but Power Premium gas. I was able after some messing with wires to get it started and I gunned it down the airport road since it was parked in front of the main airport doors. Engine died after about 100 yards, same feeling, no spark. I coasted it into the airport parking lot where it still sits. I was well under op temp durring that run, but I'm not being optimistic. Seems like the thermostat (genuine toyota) locked up or the head gasket decided to die sitting there idling. It cranks and runs fine (when the ign is working)


I'm going to come down with a new thermostat tommorow, pull the plugs and check for coolant, swap in the stock ign, and see if this damn thing works. I'm really pissed but also relived that I get my company car on Friday and won't be relying on this engine.

I'm pissed but I know I can get the HG replaced in my apt complex lot. I'm not worried about that. I'm just frusterated at this crap. Welcome to the world of perfomance... arg....


I run the crap out of that engine and EB has said many times that he can't belive that engine hasn't blown (well majorly, thats another story) So it was prolly its time. Just a waste to see such a fun engine die at 30k (I haven't looked lately) miles. oh well....


If someone in Flag wants to speakup with some garage space, this would be the time... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />


Take care all... I'm hoping I don't die of alcohol poisioning tonight..

check the ignitor and coil man sometimes when the get hot the spark craps out try using that dust off computer cleaner to some what freeze them. and see if if starts up when the problem occures

i would replace the coil 1st becuase its only 20 bucks after market or you can get a msd blaster for 40 ignotir will cost a good penny i can almost guarantee its the coil

Testing and Inspection

Connect one end of an ohmmeter to the (-) side of the ignition coil. Connect the other end to the (+) side of the ignition coil.
Primary Resistance (Cold): 0.5 - 0.7 ohms

Connect one end of an ohmmeter to the high tension terminal of the ignition coil. Connect the other end of the ohmmeter to the (+) side of the ignition coil
(alldata)
Secondary Resistance (Cold): 11.4k - 15.6k ohms

>>>*Probably not toast, but pegging temp gauges is not a good thing.

*Maybe some rings. maybe gasket, maybe shave the head?...

The part I don't get is the ignition interrupt and overheat?

Holler if I can help...*EB

Pardon my ignorance on this matter, but the msd system still uses the OEM signal generator right? If it does,
I would look there first, they can work intermittently
causing those same run, no-run symptoms. Can be totally random too, been there, done that. My experience with ignitors is they just die and that is it, but my experience is pretty humble I admit. Could be some other things too.
If it does have a newer pick up coil, or you know it's getting a signal to msd ignitor and coil, nevermind.

Its a MSD 6ALN that either works fine or dies completly. I also have the Blaster2 coil.

I retained all stock wires/connectors so it will only take 5 mins to rebolt had hook up the stock system.


I'll have your shop number on me tommrow, expect a call EB. I'll leave a message (saturday of course) If you have a better number, email me

later...

At 5 minutes to swap to an oem unit, yes, worth a try.
But if it uses the oem signal generator/pick up coil inside the distributor, like I said, I am not familiar with the msd unit, but I am guessing its an ignitor/coil package only, retaining all OEM elect. distributor parts,if so, I would swap that first if you have a spare.

don't think i've ever heard of a toyota distributor having those problems before. the ignitors are generally really good as well, though i think mine's a little problematic(being 25 years old)

My bad signal gen was out of an 84 btw.
I ain't bitchin that is for sure. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/oink.gif" alt="" />

I have a spare dist... I'll bring it with.


*Makes another drink*