What in the world???

[johnssi]

Driving the Spider the other day when the engine just quits! It cranks just fine, has plenty of battery, oil, water, etc. I had a very similar problem about 3 years ago and discovered it was the ignition switch, which I rebuilt. That worked then. Fearing the same I just purchased a new one from Vick Auto, but it also didn't work. The new switch is wired somewhat differently than the old one and when it didn't work I called Vick to inquire if the wiring could be the culprit but they were less than helpful The new switch is made in Russia, of all places. So I rebuilt the old switch, being very careful to get it right and, while there were some electrical black spark marks on the switch contacts, it was nothing I would consider out of the ordinary. Still the car does the same thing. My question is, if it is not the ignition switch, what would cause it to just up and quit so suddenly? Like somebody pulled the coil wire. Nope checked that too. Here's the kicker - just before taking the ignition switch out to swap it for the new one, a couple of days after it quit, I thought "ahh, maybe I'll just try it before I take it apart". Guess what - it started! And then just as suddenly quit after a couple of minutes running. What in the world?? Anyone have any ideas? John

[azruss]

lots of possibilities. look at your big intake hose for air leaks. next, determine if there is spark at the plug. If not, then start looking at cap, rotor, mag pickup, ignition module, coil.

[courtenay]

Check spark, check fuel. I had a similar problem some time ago. Car would start and run when cold, but would quit and not restart when warm. Long story short, turned out to be the fuel pump. Don't ask me why it would run when the car was cold but not hot. Replaced the fuel pump and all good.

[bradartigue]

The temp sender (the FI one) can do this. So can a failing/failed dual relay or fuel pump. All heat sensitive parts that fail over time.

[So Cal Mark]

first determine if it loses spark or fuel when it quits. Then it's pretty easy to narrow it down

[narfire]

Similar happened to me many years ago along a main Hwy. Ended up being the wires from the pick up in the dist. were pooched. Swapped out the pick up and all was good. I do carry a spare pick up with me now.

[johnssi]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! it looks like Narfire was the closest to being right. It turns out it was the control module which I replaced along with the pick up wire. Then it fired right up. I was beginning to panic as the weather is just now getting right to drive my Spider here in the Southeast. Thanks again everyone! John