5MALLORY TECHNICAL SUPPORT (216) 688-8300 tech@mrgasket.com
Misses and Internittent Problems
Experience has shown that if your engine is misfiring or hesitating
at higher RPM, it is usually not an ignition problem. Most common
causes include a coil or plug wire failure, arcing from the cap or
boot plug to ground or spark ionization inside the cap. Perform the
following checks:
• Inspect the plug wires at the cap and at the spark plug for a tight
connection. Visually inspect for cuts, abrasions, or burns.
• Inspect the primary coil wire connections. Because the HYFIRE®6A
Ignition Control receives a direct 12 volt source from the battery,
there will not be any voltage at the coil positive (+) terminal, even
with the key turned on. During cranking, or while the engine is
running, very high voltage will be present and no test equipment
should be connected.
WARNING: Do not touch the coil terminals during cranking or
while the engine is running.
• Make sure that the battery is fully charged and the connections
are clean and tight. If you are not running an alternator, this is an
imperative check. If the battery voltage drops below 10 volts during
a race, the HYFIRE®6A Ignition Control output voltage will drop.
• Is the engine running lean? Inspect the spark plugs and the entire
fuel system.
• Check all wiring connections for corrosion or damage. Remember
to use proper connections followed by soldering, then seal the
connections completely.
If everything checks positive, use the procedure below to test the
ignition for spark. Mallory also offers an Ignition Tester (PN 28357) that
allows you to check the entire ignition system while it is installed in
the vehicle. This tool also checks operation of RPM limits, activated
switches, and shift lights.
CHECKING FOR SPARK
If triggering the ignition with the white wire:
(See Figure 6)
1. Make sure the ignition switch is in the “OFF” position.
2. Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and set the
terminal approximately 1/4" from ground.
3. Disconnect the HYFIRE
®
6A Ignition Control white wire from the
distributor’s points or ignition amplifier.
4. Turn the ignition to the “ON” position. Do not crank the engine.
5. Tap the white wire to ground several times. Each time you pull
the wire from ground, a spark should jump from the coil wire to
ground. If spark is present, the ignition is working properly. If
there is no spark, skip to Step 6 below.
If Triggering With the Magnetic Pickup:
(See Figure 7)
1. Make sure the ignition switch is in the OFF position.
2. Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and set the
terminal approximately 1/4" from ground.
3. Disconnect the HYFIRE
®
6A Ignition Control magnetic pickup
wires from the distributor.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. Do not crank the engine.
5. With a small jumper wire, short the HYFIRE®6A Ignition Control
green and violet magnetic pickup wires together. Each time you
break this short, a spark should jump from the coil wire to
ground. If spark is present, the ignition is working properly. If
there is no spark skip to Step 6 below.
6. If there is no spark.
A. Inspect all of the wiring.
B. Substitute another coil and repeat the test. If there is now
spark, the coil is at fault.
C. If there is still no spark, check to make sure there is 12 volts
on the small red wire from the HYFIRE®6A Ignition Control
when the key is in the ON position. If 12 volts is not present,
find another switched 12 volts source and repeat the test.
D. If, after following the test procedures and inspecting all of
the wiring, there is still no spark, the HYFIRE®6A Ignition
Control is in need of repair. See the Warranty and Service
section for information.