Re: MarelliPlex problems?

[Dick Stachowiak <stachowiak@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

As you say, the Marelliplex system either works or it doesn't.  There 
is a mode where the system will work, but not very well, if the pickup 
coil wires are reversed where they plug into the ignition module.  The 
engine will run, but the timing acts very strange.  Connect a timing 
light and see if the timing is correct at idle and slowly advances to 
the M mark as you rev the engine.  If it doesn't try reversing the 
pickup connections.  You might also want to recheck the cam timing as 
well as the injection pump timing.  I recall a recent discussion on the 
digest on spica pump timing.  It seems that there were several 
conflicting instructions on the correct way to do it.

Dick Stachowiak

71 Spider
71 GTV

On Saturday, April 12, 2003, at 03:13 PM, alfa-digest wrote:


> Date: Sat, 12 Apr 2003 12:56:21 -0500
> From: "Randy Watson" <randy_watson@domain.elided>
> Subject: MarelliPlex problems?
>
> Fellow Alfa enthusiasts:
>
>
>
> I am in the process of getting my 72 Spider back on the road after a
> several year hiatus.  One of the reasons that I stopped driving it was
> due to a severe problem with high exhaust gas temperatures.  The 
> exhaust
> gas temps are high enough to turn the exhaust headers cherry red when
> running the engine at 3000 RPM with no load for about 1 minute.  Not
> good!  In addition, the engine seems to have the timing advanced way 
> too
> much (even after turning the distributor to max retard) or be really 
> out
> of whack because I get blowback through the carbs and some detonation 
> in
> the exhaust system.  I checked the cam timing and it was OK>  The 
> engine
> has about 4000 miles on it after a complete rebuild.
>
>
>
> Now to the point:  is the MarelliPlex ignition prone to random 
> problems?
> My experience is that electronic ignition systems either work or they
> don't work at all.  I think I have chased down any vacuum leak 
> problems,
> so now I am wondering if I should just ditch the MarelliPlex and by a
> new electronic ignition system.  Any advice appreciated!!!
>
>
>
> Randy Watson
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