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1988 Pontiac Firebird 88 Firebird ignition problem

Tiny
DDMFFOOD
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
Engine Performance problem
1988 Pontiac Firebird V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic

Still working on 88 firebird converted to carb from TPI.
Current problem is spark. Have gone thru 4 ignition modules, When new module installed, runs like a champ for a little while then begins missing. When spark coming out of distributor is checked, has great spark on one side of engine, poor spark on the other. Distributor, cap, plugs and wires all brand new.
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 AT 5:25 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
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Ok when you did the change over what distributor did you use?
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Thursday, August 27th, 2009 AT 10:31 AM
Tiny
DDMFFOOD
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It was swapped by the previous owner im not sure what brand of distributor but I know its an hei ignition if that helps clarify at all?
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Thursday, August 27th, 2009 AT 4:09 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
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OK so the distributor cap has the coil in the top of it? When you replaced the cap you did put the center button in first then the rubber washer and then the coil on top? The coil did have the ground strap? Here is a pic of what I am talking about as far as the ground strap.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/249564_493192_1.jpg


If yours is missing then you local parts store should have it Napa #RR204
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Friday, August 28th, 2009 AT 9:59 AM
Tiny
DDMFFOOD
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Yes it has the in cap coil, and yes I put the rubberish carbon button then the coil on and it does have the ground strap. The car ran decently well for 2-3 weeks then started acting up giving weak spark to only the drivers side of the engine replaced the module 4 times every time gave the same result ran good for bout 20 minutes then started giving the weak spark to the drivers side again.
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Friday, August 28th, 2009 AT 1:58 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
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Ok so tell me was the distributor new or used? It may be that the condensor needs to be replaced.
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Saturday, August 29th, 2009 AT 9:18 AM
Tiny
DDMFFOOD
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The reciepts I have from the previous owner say that it was purchased in 2005 the car hadnt ran since 2005 also then I got it to run very good about a month ago then this problem occured so it seems to me as tho it is fairly new and pulling it out and looking at backs up my theory
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Saturday, August 29th, 2009 AT 1:33 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
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Ok so have you checked the capacitor? Here is a pic of it and it costs about 12 dollars. If this malfunctions it can cause this kind of problem.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/249564_501742_1.jpg

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Monday, August 31st, 2009 AT 11:06 AM

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