CDI ignition problem?
Thread Starter
Track Day
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
CDI ignition problem?
1980 911SC
Drove the car this afternoon. Ran fine. Stopped and re-started engine several times. This evening, didn't start. Am out of town. Have some tools with me. Need to fix it. Haven't had a chance to do any real trobleshooting, yet. But, seems similar to the times (3) my CDI unit failed. Unit still whistles, but doesn't seem as loud as before -- I can't hear it from inside the car. Can only hear it while standing near rear with engine lid open.
What are suggestions for most-efficient trobleshooting?
If it is ignition, I'm going to replace with MSD. Fed up with the Bosch CDI.
If I need ignition cap, rotor, etc., what is a good source near Pasadena, CA?
Drove the car this afternoon. Ran fine. Stopped and re-started engine several times. This evening, didn't start. Am out of town. Have some tools with me. Need to fix it. Haven't had a chance to do any real trobleshooting, yet. But, seems similar to the times (3) my CDI unit failed. Unit still whistles, but doesn't seem as loud as before -- I can't hear it from inside the car. Can only hear it while standing near rear with engine lid open.
What are suggestions for most-efficient trobleshooting?
If it is ignition, I'm going to replace with MSD. Fed up with the Bosch CDI.
If I need ignition cap, rotor, etc., what is a good source near Pasadena, CA?
Race Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 103
From: SoCal
"If it is ignition, I'm going to replace with MSD. Fed up with the Bosch CDI."
The original Bosch units are very reliable. Most likely:
1. bad green pickup wire
2. using the unreliable silver coil
3. bad power source to the unit
4. bad cap or rotor
5. bad coil ground
The MSD is less reliable and stresses the ignition system more,
i.e. the cap & rotor, the ignition wires and plug connectors.
The MSD is a kulge setup for a 911, unless you're going to add a Chevy
350 engine later. Then the MSD will "fit" nicely.
The original Bosch units are very reliable. Most likely:
1. bad green pickup wire
2. using the unreliable silver coil
3. bad power source to the unit
4. bad cap or rotor
5. bad coil ground
The MSD is less reliable and stresses the ignition system more,
i.e. the cap & rotor, the ignition wires and plug connectors.
The MSD is a kulge setup for a 911, unless you're going to add a Chevy
350 engine later. Then the MSD will "fit" nicely.
