Volvo update

"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish) 03/17/2019 at 21:37 • Filed to: Volvo

3

10

Spoiler alert: it still doesn’t run

I replaced the ignition coil. Thanks to MM54 for pointing out that the coil could be very weak, but still putting out electricity. I was reading 0.02 volts at the lead from the coil. With the new one, I’m getting 10.7-11 volts. I need a smaller strap, the new coil is too small for the old strap.

N ow I’m getting very weak spark, not enough for it to start. For some reason I thought I replaced the condenser when I replaced the points, but then actually looked at it, and it clearly hasn’t been replaced in decades

So a new condenser is on the way from rockauto, since local places wanted $30, and $43. $16 from rockauto, along with another set of points to have as backup. So if I don’t wind up with strong spark after this, or I do, and it still doesn’t start, I’ll be running out of things to replace....

CB > gmctavish needs more space 03/17/2019 at 21:48

0

After that, sounds like it’s time for an engine swap!

Future Heap Owner > gmctavish needs more space 03/17/2019 at 21:55

0

I haven’t been following along, but I’m guessing your last comment means you already know it’s getting fuel and has good compression?

gmctavish needs more space > Future Heap Owner 03/17/2019 at 22:03

1

I know that it has at least 150psi in each cylinder, when it last ran in 2014 or so, and it’s definitel getting fuel. It also had no spark at all until today 

gmctavish needs more space > CB 03/17/2019 at 22:48

1

I hope not, but I wouldn’t be totally shocked...or an engine rebuild, but it does have good enough compression that it should start once it has spark

Future Heap Owner > gmctavish needs more space 03/17/2019 at 22:57

1

Excellent,  I hope that the spark sorts it all out. Fingers crossed for ya

MM54 > gmctavish needs more space 03/17/2019 at 23:16

2

I have a friend who spent days chasing around ignition trouble in his MG that turned out to be a bad condenser, hope that wraps things up for you and gets things going! Looking forward to seeing this one back on the road.

gmctavish needs more space > MM54 03/18/2019 at 00:37

1

This has been weeks, since I only have time to work on it on the weekend, and then have to wait for parts as I find out things that need replaced. Kind of wishing I’d just done the parts cannon method, but oh well. Now I have a good idea of everything I should bring if I ever try and drive a barn find h ome or something

MM54 > gmctavish needs more space 03/18/2019 at 17:59

1

This sort of thing is always a great learning opportunity, and the things you’ve learned will help ‘the next time’ - and help you to learn more.

Berang > gmctavish needs more space 03/23/2019 at 01:57

0

If you have an old radiator hose you can shim the new coil pretty easy.

What was the deal with the weird connector on the yellow wire in the original set up?

gmctavish needs more space > Berang 03/23/2019 at 02:20

0

Oh that’s a good idea. I was gonna used some metal strapping, but the current clamp with a hose to shim would be sturdier.

No idea, there was nothing weird on the inside, just a big plastic/rubber cover over the connector. I wonder if they all used to be like that, but that’s the only original one left. Can’t think of any reason for just the resistor to have a covered connector. I have it  disconnected now anyways.