I've experienced this twice in my '73 Riviera GS.
First let me mention my modifications:
*new ACCEL 71105e electronic billet distributor
*new ACCEL P/N 35366 "ultra high-performance" ign.module
*new ACCEL 300+ spark plug wires
*new AC Delco R45TSX plugs gapped @ 0.065"
*new Jacob's Ultra Coil (the original, big boxy, epoxy-filled one with a "variable magnetic core")
*new Optima Redtop battery
*new 2/0 gauge battery cables ("+" to the starter, "-" to engine ground) with other ground straps from the engine to the firewall and chassis, and from the "
"-" battery terminal and the body
*new POWERMASTER 9202 starter/solenoid
*a new dedicated ignition switch with 10 gauge wire fused to the battery to a hidden switch in the car to the "+" terminal on the coil, which also connects the ACCEL "+" power wire lead.
First of all, after I did this work, my Riv ran GREAT: silky-smooth idle; crisp, instant throttle response; no bogs or hesitations; increased HP, torque and mpg (from 8.9 to 15.1 mpg!!). Although I must add that when I first installed the ACCEL distributor, the engine wouldn't start because the distance from the magnetic pick-up to the reluctor had to be adjusted; it's supposed to be ~0.005" I drove it to Grand Forks, ND in colder weather for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and never had any problems with the car starting in very cold weather w/o any snow. It would immediately fire-up when I cranked the starter and flipped on my new ignition switch.
But when it was covered with snow and ice from sitting outside after Minneapolis' first snow storm, it would crank over, and sound like it was about to fire, but the engine would not run.
After many attempts, I thought it could be a fuel, spark, compression, ignition or battery problem.
So, I replaced the inline fuel filter, checked the fuel pump (it was pumping gas), tried another new jacob's Ultra Coil, fully trickle-charged the battery after I drained it from cranking it too many times for too long. I unscrewed the distributor's cap to see if anything looked amiss. Nothing looked apparently wrong.
The engine still would not start. I suspected the ignition module, because I had similar problems with a '70 Toronado electronic ignition system I added.
Later when it warmed up a bit a few days later in the early afternoon, the engine finally started and ran well.
Well, last night snow fell and covered the entire car.
Now, it won't start or run again. It seems to sound like it's just about to fire up, and then gives up.
What could be the problem? I know gas isn't as volatile in colder conditions. Usually gas is treated for different seasons due to the effect of ambient temperature on gas volatility. But I'm wondering if something in the ignition system could be susceptible to cold temperatures???
Does anyone have any suggestions?
First let me mention my modifications:
*new ACCEL 71105e electronic billet distributor
*new ACCEL P/N 35366 "ultra high-performance" ign.module
*new ACCEL 300+ spark plug wires
*new AC Delco R45TSX plugs gapped @ 0.065"
*new Jacob's Ultra Coil (the original, big boxy, epoxy-filled one with a "variable magnetic core")
*new Optima Redtop battery
*new 2/0 gauge battery cables ("+" to the starter, "-" to engine ground) with other ground straps from the engine to the firewall and chassis, and from the "
"-" battery terminal and the body
*new POWERMASTER 9202 starter/solenoid
*a new dedicated ignition switch with 10 gauge wire fused to the battery to a hidden switch in the car to the "+" terminal on the coil, which also connects the ACCEL "+" power wire lead.
First of all, after I did this work, my Riv ran GREAT: silky-smooth idle; crisp, instant throttle response; no bogs or hesitations; increased HP, torque and mpg (from 8.9 to 15.1 mpg!!). Although I must add that when I first installed the ACCEL distributor, the engine wouldn't start because the distance from the magnetic pick-up to the reluctor had to be adjusted; it's supposed to be ~0.005" I drove it to Grand Forks, ND in colder weather for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and never had any problems with the car starting in very cold weather w/o any snow. It would immediately fire-up when I cranked the starter and flipped on my new ignition switch.
But when it was covered with snow and ice from sitting outside after Minneapolis' first snow storm, it would crank over, and sound like it was about to fire, but the engine would not run.
After many attempts, I thought it could be a fuel, spark, compression, ignition or battery problem.
So, I replaced the inline fuel filter, checked the fuel pump (it was pumping gas), tried another new jacob's Ultra Coil, fully trickle-charged the battery after I drained it from cranking it too many times for too long. I unscrewed the distributor's cap to see if anything looked amiss. Nothing looked apparently wrong.
The engine still would not start. I suspected the ignition module, because I had similar problems with a '70 Toronado electronic ignition system I added.
Later when it warmed up a bit a few days later in the early afternoon, the engine finally started and ran well.
Well, last night snow fell and covered the entire car.
Now, it won't start or run again. It seems to sound like it's just about to fire up, and then gives up.
What could be the problem? I know gas isn't as volatile in colder conditions. Usually gas is treated for different seasons due to the effect of ambient temperature on gas volatility. But I'm wondering if something in the ignition system could be susceptible to cold temperatures???
Does anyone have any suggestions?