Griff 4.3 ignition

[pmonty]

have a frustrating problem- very hard to start. when it does, runs on 3 or 4 cyl. then quits and cannot be started again. Coil gives spark when key turned on and when turned off but only spasmodically when trying to start. Have replaced coil- no change. Have replaced fuel filter, tested pump, blown out fuel lines- all good. Battery[700 cca] and alternator are new. What to try next? Car is low miles- 33k miles. Suggestions?

[chris52]

While cranking the engine do you get a good spark at all 8 plugs? It may be just the ignition amplifier that is letting you down. Also after trying to start pull a plug out and see if its wet with fuel. If your getting a good spark and fuel and its still not starting then it may be worth getting an expert to have a look for you.

Chris

[pmonty]

Chris: Thanks for the suggestions- we do have fuel. have also replaced both modules in the distributor. At this point TVRNA in Toronto has the car- still searching.

[pmonty]

Have had a solution- The culprit was a loose wire at a junction box which feeds power to the ignition switch. Took seven hours of intensive tracing plus two blown exterior modules on the distributor. One of the Lucas push-on connectors was cocked off and only made connection intermittently. Sometimes it would send a surge of power to the dist. module and blow it. Solution- replace the connector and install a new module again. I drove the car 1100 km. this last weekend- started much quicker, never faltered. Went to the Watkins Glen NY Vintage Grand Prix- they had never seen a newer Griff. Lots of fun when it runs right!!!

[Peter66]

I had a similar problem of non starting. There is a white cable with connector close the left side rocket cover and dipstick. The cable is part of the AFM loom. I think it's for the ECU tacho signal. If this is disconnected or has a bad contact you will have starting problems. I somehow managed to have it disconnected and changed the ignition amp without solving the issue before I found out.

Peter