Can't start 81 vette-possible disabled ignition

[Kathy Arvan]

Help!
We are new vette owners who recently purchased an 81 vette. It won't start
We think the alarm has disabled the ignition. The engine cranks,
the fuel supply is full but it has no spark.
Does anyone have a suggstion?
Thanks!

[Wayne W.]

Re: Can't start 81 vette-possible disabled ignitio

Check the ignition module in the distributor. initially look at the pink wire going to the distributor and make sure it has power with the ignition on.

[Wayne W.]

Re: Can't start 81 vette-possible disabled ignitio

Check the ignition module in the distributor. initially look at the pink wire going to the distributor and make sure it has power with the ignition on.

[Duke W.]

Re: Can't start 81 vette-possible disabled ignitio

I'm going to assume that your HEI has failed. There is a troublshooting procedure in almost all service manuals for the years the HEI was used.

The two components which tend to fail are the pickup coil and module. You can test the pickup coil by checking it for continuity or cranking the engine and looking for needle movement with a voltmeter.

The last test in the troubleshooting procedure is "check module with module tester". Of course, most of us don't have one, so if everthing else checks out to this point, just replace the module.

Duke

[Duke W.]

Re: Can't start 81 vette-possible disabled ignitio

I'm going to assume that your HEI has failed. There is a troublshooting procedure in almost all service manuals for the years the HEI was used.

The two components which tend to fail are the pickup coil and module. You can test the pickup coil by checking it for continuity or cranking the engine and looking for needle movement with a voltmeter.

The last test in the troubleshooting procedure is "check module with module tester". Of course, most of us don't have one, so if everthing else checks out to this point, just replace the module.

Duke