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

[DieselSpider]

You need to follow the power. If your test meter or light shows power going into and coming out of the ignition switch then you need to move on to the next item. Is there any spark at all when you pull a plug wire and test with a spare spark plug? Do you have power feeding the coil? If so it could be a bad coil or even a failing distributor cap, condenser, rotor or breaker points depending on the year. Are all the fuses clean and tight in their holders?

I can't speak to specifics on the gasoline engine that came stock on the Spider as mine has a Diesel conversion.

[wizard124]

Take a close look at the connectors feeding the switch. bad contacts, pushed in terminals, corrosion?