Delco EST installation (Steve Huminski)

[versozcj]

Searches of past posts on this topic have resulted in messages from Steve Huminski. I would be very interested in communicating with you, Steve since you have successfully installed this electronic ignition on your boat with very positive results. After installing the Delco EST according to the manufacturer's instructions on my boat, I'm having trouble getting it started. It seems to want to kick over but doesn't quite start. I've drained the charge on the battery and recharging now. Any help would be greatly appreciated.<br />Thank you

 

[versozcj]

Re: Delco EST installation (Steve Huminski)

I finally got the engine started and idling. Idling wasn't too rough. Began to set timing and while having timing light on #1 plug, I noticed that strobe worked ok for about ten minutes then stopped. Engine sputtered then stopped shortly after. Tried starting again, but no luck. Checked timing light and it is ok. I'm letting starter rest before I give another try. Any ideas on what's going on and any suggestions.

 

[Skipster1]

Re: Delco EST installation (Steve Huminski)

That sounds like you don't have enough voltage getting to the spark.... which might explain why the timing light went out. It takes spark plug voltage to TRIGGER that light. You can have a brand new, powerful battery and the light won't blink unless there is voltage going to the spark plug to trigger the strobe light.<br />In an older engine I'd suspect the generator (check the output and connections) or the coil.<br />It just appears you aren't getting voltage to the spark plugs.<br /><br />That is "old engine mechanics" but you can see what the thinking is.<br />Sounds like you put in a new system but you can see where I'm headed here.

 

[versozcj]

Re: Delco EST installation (Steve Huminski)

Skiph,<br />I think you are right about the voltage loss. I think I was losing voltage in the ignition switch wire(purple) which has a resistor in it someplace. I bypassed the purple wire and the engine fired right up and was able to set the timing. Thanks for your help.<br />Charles

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Delco EST installation (Steve Huminski)

Sorry I just saw this, but that was the first thing I was going to suggest, was that maybe you ran the resistive wire to the new distributor? The electronic ignitions need the full 12V+ to operate correctly, and will do exactly what you described when using the original resistance wire. When cranking, you were getting full 12V from the starter bypass wire, that's why it would fire while cranking then die when you let go of the key. <br /><br />Glad you got it worked out, and welcome to the club! Remeber to set the base timing at 0 degrees using the timing shunt!

 

[versozcj]

Re: Delco EST installation (Steve Huminski)

Steve,<br />Thank you for responding. Is 12 V the very minimum that will produce a spark in this type of ignition system (Delco EST). Yesterday, engine started and ran fine. I set timing to 0 degrees and switched from the jumpered timing wire to the "normal" running timing wire and looked at the timing. Today, engine wouldn't start. Checked the voltage at battery and it read 10 volts. Also 10 volts to coil. Is that my problem? I tend to get wordy and if you prefer, I can give you my email address.<br />Thanks,

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Delco EST installation (Steve Huminski)

Yeah verso, from what I have read they really need all of the +12 to operate correctly. I'm suprised she'll even crank the starter at 10 volts. Charge that battery and go at it again. That's what happened in your first posts while you were still running the resistance wire, the resistance wire voltage was too low to run, then you charged the battery which raised that voltage (though still not full 12 volts) enough to get the engine to run. Once that "top off" charge wore off you were back to where the voltage was insufficient to get the coil to fire. Basically with the battery now at 10 volts you're back to resistance-wire territory as far as the voltage to the coil goes. <br /><br />Hope this helps!