6
6. TROUBLESHOOTING
Every single e-FIRE distributor is factory-tested
before shipping to check advance from idle up
through the rpm range, and high tension function
to the spark plugs. Experience has shown that our
ignition modules are very robust. So if you have
a problem, please read this before contacting
Stromberg or your dealer.
A) If the engine will not start after installation,
begin with the usual diagnostics. Are your plug
wires connected properly? Do you have fuel?
Is there a spark out of the coil into the cap? If
the engine runs, but won’t pick up, do you need
to adjust the timing?
B) Your old points distributor may run fine with
weak input voltage, but any electronic distributor
will struggle without a reliable power source and
a good ground (earth). This is VERY important,
especially on 6 volt models where under-
charged batteries, hidden ballast resistors,
high-resistance coils, old wiring and worn starter
motors can leave your e-FIRE without the power
it needs. Please check it still gets a good 6 or 12
volts WHEN CRANKING the starter.
C) The above also applies if the engine runs roughly,
especially at higher rpm. If so, use a jumper
cable to connect the e-FIRE power wire direct
to the battery. If running improves, this usually
indicates low voltage to the module, often caused
by a ballast resistor or a high Ohm coil. So try
connecting the power wire to a more direct
source, like the ignition switch. And/or swap the
coil to the recommended 1.5 Ohms. Performance
will also be compromised if the ground (earth)
is poor. So check for good continuity from the
e-FIRE module mounting plate to ground.
D) Remember, too, that the electronic module is
a switch for the coil. It does not govern spark
strength. And if it sparks to one plug, it should
spark to them all.
E) If at any point the module is wired incorrectly,
supplied with excess voltage or the polarity
reversed, it may fail and void your warranty. For
further troubleshooting tips, visit the Stromberg
Tech Center at: www.stromberg-97.com
7. MAINTENANCE
A) The e-FIRE 8BA distributor is designed for low
maintenance. The top shaft bearing is sealed for
life, with a separate seal to stop oil entering the
distributor body. The oilite bearing at the bottom
also requires no maintenance. After an initial
running period, we recommend that you check
and retighten the distributor clamp along with
all electrical connections, including the spark
plug wires.
B) Further down the road, a little annual aftercare
can pay dividends. A single drop of light oil on
the felt pad under the rotor will help keep the
advance plate moving, for example. And while
you should aim to keep water and road salt out
of the distributor, it is known that air inside any
distributor cap becomes ionized and attracts
moisture which can cause corrosion over time.
All of the e-FIRE steel internal parts are zinc
plated, but a light spray of water displacement
lube to the advance mechanism (under the
module plate), will keep the advance weights
moving as they should.
C) Stromberg e-FIRE service parts are recommended
for reliable fit and service life. Always use
Stromberg e-FIRE ignition modules.
4. START THE ENGINE
WARNING:
If your vehicle has a manual transmission, verify
that it is not in gear and that the parking brake is
on before starting. With an automatic transmission,
confirm that it is in ‘park’ or ‘neutral’ before
starting. Failure to do so may result in unintended
vehicle movement causing property damage,
serious personal injury or death.
A) Connect the battery and start the vehicle as usual.
Some fine tuning of the distributor timing may be
required both to start the engine and set the static
timing at idle (See Section 5. Engine Timing). Pay
particular attention to any knocking, pinking or
detonation sound under engine load, which may
indicate excess advance. If so, stop the vehicle,
retard the static timing a little (See H) and
test again.
B) Run the engine to full operating temperature,
then check it idles and revs freely and take it for
a test drive. If you suspect any problems, stop
the engine immediately and refer to Section
6. Troubleshooting.
WARNING:
Too much distributor advance can cause engine
detonation, which can damage an engine very
quickly. If you hear detonation, stop the engine
immediately and retard the timing.
WARNING:
DO NOT leave the ignition switched on when the
car is not running, as this can cause permanent
overheating damage to the coil and ignition module.
5. ENGINE TIMING
A) To adjust the initial (static) timing on this
distributor turn the body counter-clockwise to
advance engine timing or clockwise to retard
(See H). The adjustment is sensitive - one degree
at the distributor is two degrees at the crank.
Always remember to tighten the clamp bolt. For
best results, use the engine’s timing marks and a
timing light. The recommended static timing for
a stock 8BA engine is 4 degrees BTDC (Before
Top Dead Center). Different settings may
be required for non-standard engines and
differences in local gasoline.
B) The e-FIRE distributor provides a further 22
degrees maximum mechanical advance at
around 2600rpm. While the e-FIRE allows
adjustment of the total advance, for most
customers, there is no need to change the
factory setting.
WARNING:
Always take considerable care when adjusting
distributor timing. Failure to do so may result in
property damage, severe personal injury or death.
5
H
