vze2jshn

My '78 US OB has been bugging me with an intermittent no start problem for about 8 years now--car cranks but won't start, then will start and run well for months, then repeat the problem again regardless of time of year or weather conditions. I have replaced the green wire twice since acquiring the car in 1986 and have # 3 green wire on the way from Roger. Over the years I have tried to troubleshoot, diagnose per WSM but could, can never get a complete diagnosis because the car will start running well again before troubleshooting can be completed. Over the years I have replaced ignition switches twice: cleaned and replaced burnt wires in the CE panel; replaced ignition coil and resistors; replaced the starter; checked and cleaned all grounds; replaced wires from resistors to coil;replaced crumbling engine wire harness(Faucett);swapped out spark box--car still would not start;did general tune ups; replaced fuel pump relays;rebuilt alternator and replaced the fuel pump ceramic fuse with a fusible spade link.
The current bag of tricks includes intermittent no start with no spark but for a shorter duration than in the past but then the engine shuts off sometimes a minute later then starts again and sometimes quits again after a mile or so only to start again after 10 or 15 minutes and then runs strong. Now also while running at speed the temp gauge climbs to the red mark only to return to normal reading abruptly when I stop at a light (idle rpms) at which point the engine also sometimes shuts off again. Tachometer also gyrates sometimes at idle and when driving. Another new wonderful behavior is that sometimes when I put on the A/C the car bucks in first, second and third gear as if the WUR is faulty but stops bucking if A/C is turned off. I realize there is a lot to take in here but I am wondering if anyone has experienced especially some of the new problems on an OB and may have a fix or some suggestions. I also realize I may be dealing more than one problem and/or different problems interacting. Any comments, suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Mrmerlin

replace relay
XVII fuel pump
XV starter,
and fuse 22.
remove every fuse and clean the blades,
do the same for every relay,
any relay that you find with corrosion on the pins should be opened and smelled for burning and or internal corrosion

clean the grounds on the right cam tower and or resolder them.
clean the battery terminals.
with battery disconnected remove the pod and clean and tighten the push on connections at the back for the tach and speedo ,
also
clean the push on connections use an eraser.

vze2jshn

Replaced spark box with a good used one and the car is running strong with no problems. Hope it lasts for awhile.

risaac928

Where or what is this "Spark Box" you speak of...

I have a non- start issue and I am trying to chase down as many leads as I can..

Alan

has it been converted to R134a refrigerant?

Alan

risaac928

No, R12

Alan

Actually that was a question for vze2jshn - related to the AC on behaviour

Alan

vze2jshn

Spark box (aka TSZ switch) controls ignition and is located below and in back of the hot electrical terminal under the hood in the passenger side fender.