83 EZGO cranks, wont start

[Gwen]

Tom, thanks for the info. I was writing my last post when you were writing/sending yours. I will try that with the module to see if that could be the problem as well.

[TomStark]

My pleasure, also, while gas can gum up things, I had a guy bring me a 500 Honda, it had been sitting for YEARS, like maybe 15 or a little more. Had gas in it, he said it would never start with that gas. He was wrong, it did start. I did have to pull the carbs and clean them, but it did run. I am always skeptical of "bad gas" it can happen, but I have yet to see gas that would not burn. The biggest problem, as was stated, is gum and varnish preventing the "bad gas" from actually making its way to the chamber. When in doubt, shoot a little fresh gas in through the throttle, if it runs and dies quickly, it is a fuel issue, if not, then that is not the issue, or at least not the only issue!
Tom

[TomStark]

While I am thinking of it, if you premix your gas and oil, you can pull the oil pump off, and put an electronic pick up in its place and eliminate the points. I am not sure how to work the timing for reverse then, could get complicated with needing 2 pick ups and a relay to use only the one that is timed for direction of rotation. I am thinking of doing that with a 36:1 ford wheel for putting EFI on my cart.
Tom

[my1423]

Originally Posted by Gwen

My1423, mine is an 83 (with a 79 motor), it has a separate starter/generator (which I also replaced) but it still has the points. I did replace the points but with all the problems I still had to it I did the HEI mod. I used the compound that came with the module and mounted it to a large piece of aluminum so as to act as a heat sink. It did work after I did that install. I don't have any pics now and it's dark outside (also rainy) but I can try (if I can remember how) to post them tomorrow. I do have a timing light but I have been using a spark checker light, that plugs in between the spark plug and the coil. It does show spark just when I push down on the pedal and then when I let up on the pedal, which is what you are describing as an ignition problem. Is there anyway to bypass/check this without buying a new part first?

Few more questions and some simple tests to track down the issue. Just a slightly different approach to what tom said and more applies to stock cdi.
After this you can test the part or possibly find the bad connection ect.

1. When you converted to hei did you use the points as the trigger or convert to a pulse coil from a later year?
2. If you left the points have you rechecked the gap and wear ect?
3. If you used the points what did you use for power to the point circut? Regulator diode resistor ect Check for bad solder, burns loose connection. Or test the parts involved.
4. Take a voltmeter and see if you have power coming from the pulsor or power going to the points. Very low voltage either way when cranking. Should pulse on off. Test procedures are listed in the manual for the pulse coil. If no signal then the module with not fire the coil.
5. Take a voltmeter or test light and verify when you are cranking that you have power at the coil and at the module.
6. As you are cranking also check that the power is pulsing at the coil. light + - across coil. Or voltmeter. Analog will bounce the needle on dc 12v.
7. If you have power at the coil, and module, pulsing trigger from the points/ pulsor but no flashing power at the coil then you have a module issue.
8. if it pulses at the coil but no spark then a bad coil.

The high performance hei modules can be had for 12$ on ebay. 8$ black cheapies. I have had better luck with the Blue hp ones.
8-12$ for hei coil.

[Gwen]

ok.. well have been away from it awhile but did replace the ignition switch and did not make a difference!! so still stuck!!