#5 Cylinder not firing

Discussion in 'Technical' started by Mission_Maverik, Jan 6, 2008.

  1. Mission_Maverik

    Mission_Maverik Member

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    I have a very unusually situation that has me really stumped and I wanted to see if any one has had a similar problem or can offer a solution. I am trying to finish up my 73 Maverick. I have a stock 250 and upgraded to the Pertronix electronic ignition. I have replaced the distributor cap, rotor and I have new wires and sparkplugs. For some reason I can not get a spark on my #5 cylinder. I have switched the wires, and plugs between #5 and #6. #6 cylinder continues to work just fine but #5 will not. Needless to say the engine runs rough. I have tried to ground the wire but still no spark. Not sure what else to do. :( HELP!!
     
  2. newtoford

    newtoford Member

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    is the rotar contact under the distriputor cap clean on #5?
     
  3. Mission_Maverik

    Mission_Maverik Member

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    I purchased a new rotor when I got the cap, so yes I think it is clean.
     
  4. don graham

    don graham MCG State Rep

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    sometimes new parts are defective. i'd check it again and maybe put the old one back on and see if it clears up. if it does than it's the cap. next i'd change the wire.:)
     
  5. Mission_Maverik

    Mission_Maverik Member

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    I just went out and put on the old rotor, no better. I then put the new rotor with the old cap, no better. You got me thinking so I pulled the little circle sensor that replaces the points and shifted it one notch. Now #3 cylinder is not working and #5 is working. I guess need to talk to the Pertronix about a replacement or how to check the sensor.
     
  6. don graham

    don graham MCG State Rep

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    Sounds to me like you found the problem. WTG:)
     
  7. newtoford

    newtoford Member

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  8. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    "the little circle sensor." does it have a protective cover that might have a piece still stuck to it?

    ...ILMAOD...
     
  9. Mission_Maverik

    Mission_Maverik Member

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    Sort of it has a some blue plastic..do I need to remove it?
     
  10. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    got a pic? i wouldn't want to say yes/no without seeing it first.

    ...ILMAOD...
     
  11. Mission_Maverik

    Mission_Maverik Member

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    Mystery solved

    I called the Technical line at Pertronix and explained the situation. They said that behind the tape were six little magnets. I could check the magnets by using a paperclip and they should all react the same by attracting the paperclip. When I went around the circle they all attracted the paperclip accept one. If the magnet is weak the sensor will not trip the coil to discharge. I have replacement being sent out. Thanks for all the help.:thumbs2:
     
  12. don graham

    don graham MCG State Rep

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    interesting. not sure anyone has had this problem before.:)
     
  13. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    thanks for the feedback...:Handshake
    maybe this will help someone else in ...troubleshooting the same problem...:yup:

    ...Frank...
     

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