Hot-Spark Breakerless Ignition Install Instructions

Post by **Sluggo** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 7:21 pm

This is just in case any of you got a Hot-Spark but didn't get the recent supplement to the installation instructions. It seems like it would be a good idea on the Pertronix, Compu-fire & others.

Regarding Hot-Spark Ignition Installation:

Thermal Grease: To help keep the ignition module cool, spread a very thin layer of thermal grease (a.k.a. thermal paste or thermal transfer compound, the type used in a computer between the CPU and its heat sink) on the underside of the bottom plate of the BOS4C1 module (centrifugal advance only). If installing the BOS4V1 (Vacuum Advance model), spread a very thin layer of thermal grease on both the top and bottom of its bottom plate. Thermal grease is available from computer stores, electronics shops, Radio Shack, etc. Silver thermal grease is a better thermal conductor than silicone thermal grease, but either will work.

Please see: www.Hot-Spark.com/Installing-Hot-Spark.htm

DurocShark · Post by **DurocShark** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 10:37 pm

Don't forget the part where they say you need a ballast resistor regardless of the resistance of your coil.

I still haven't gotten mine working reliably. :(

I'm buying a 1.6ohm ballast resistor tomorrow.

Post by **Sluggo** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 9:54 am

DurocShark wrote:Don't forget the part where they say you need a ballast resistor regardless of the resistance of your coil.

I still haven't gotten mine working reliably. :(

I'm buying a 1.6ohm ballast resistor tomorrow.

The ballast resistor did nothing for mine. The replacement they sent works fine but I also replaced my coil while I was waiting, so I don't know if it was my coil or the Hot-Spark. I suspect the Hot-Spark since the Bus ran fine with points.

DurocShark · Post by **DurocShark** » Wed May 09, 2007 11:23 am

It works!!!

I got the new one and installed it yesterday. Works great now!

http://www.donimages.com/guacamolebus/h ... g.php?id=9

Post by **Sluggo** » Wed May 09, 2007 11:31 am

My second one started crapping out. I e-mailed them and they told me the usual stuff (for them) about the resistor and coil again. I pulled it and put the points back in and the Bus ran great. MPG actually improved with points over the Hot-Spark.

After a little back & forth they sent a 3rd unit. They said they improved the design and thermocouple. I put it in on Friday. So far it is the best one yet. Better than the last 3 units and better than points. Smoother running and starting. We'll see if it lasts. Maybe they worked out the bugs. Still shouldn't have to go through 3 of them before I get a good one.

DurocShark · Post by **DurocShark** » Wed May 09, 2007 12:52 pm

Sluggo wrote:Still shouldn't have to go through 3 of them before I get a good one.

I agree. Kinda felt like beta testing didn't it? heh

Those guys really tried to make it right though, and that to me is worth a lot.

bretski · Post by **bretski** » Wed May 09, 2007 1:27 pm

I've been following the "Hot Spark Saga" with great interest. Please keep us posted on how the "improved" units hold up/perform. I have a Pertronix arriving tomorrow, and am going to give it a try.

DurocShark · Post by **DurocShark** » Sat May 12, 2007 12:49 pm

I just emailed the guys with this:

Getting off a long freeway run, it died at the light. I got it to idle, but pressing the gas pedal did nothing. I rolled out of the intersection, threw my gloves on, and put my points in and it ran fine.

Coming off a hot freeway run is probably the hottest things can get. Massive heat soak, and low fan RPMs can't keep up the cooling.

I'm still running the 1.6, so if anything everything should be cooler, right?

I think I've put way too much time and effort into getting this working. I really want it to work, but I'm just spinning my wheels.

Post by **Sluggo** » Sat May 12, 2007 12:59 pm

DurocShark wrote:I just emailed the guys with this:

Getting off a long freeway run, it died at the light. I got it to idle, but pressing the gas pedal did nothing. I rolled out of the intersection, threw my gloves on, and put my points in and it ran fine.

Coming off a hot freeway run is probably the hottest things can get. Massive heat soak, and low fan RPMs can't keep up the cooling.

I'm still running the 1.6, so if anything everything should be cooler, right?
I think I've put way too much time and effort into getting this working. I really want it to work, but I'm just spinning my wheels.

I've got my points and condenser in a baggie on the floor by the passenger seat. I am fully prepared for this to crap out, but so far, it's working flawlessly.

DurocShark · Post by **DurocShark** » Sat May 12, 2007 1:08 pm

My freeway run was about 45 minutes averaging 80mph, ambient temps approaching 90*. If you haven't yet, try something like that.

DurocShark · Post by **DurocShark** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 6:04 am

I sent mine back. :( I just can't make myself futz with 'em any more.

I still really like the guys selling them. They're great. I just can't deal with the product itself any more. :(

Post by **Sluggo** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 11:25 am

Mine went out a week and a half ago. This is the third one. Similar situation, I had just taken a 20 minute freeway trip. The engine started to sputter like I was out of gas and then died. Started her up a few minutes later and things seemed fine. Then it happened again 10 minutes later leaving me blocking a semi-busy Hollywood intersection with my wife, son and some pissed off, horn happy L.A. drivers. I put my points back in and everything has been perfect.

This is just a bad product. If they offer another free one I'm not going to take it. Even for free it's not worth the time I'd spend on it. I'd have been better off spending the $75 for a Pertronix or Compufire and not having to spend so much time on it.

RSorak 71Westy · Post by **RSorak 71Westy** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 1:53 pm

Get a Pertronix. I had a Compufire and it was a piece of crap, want it?

Post by **Amskeptic** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:08 pm

So far, my Pertronix has endured 90*s interstate cruising and 3,000 miles with no issues.
Colin

DurocShark · Post by **DurocShark** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 8:20 pm

I thought you ran points only?!?!

My image of you has now been crushed.

Itinerant Air-Cooled

Itinerant Air-Cooled

Hot-Spark Breakerless Ignition Install Instructions

Hot-Spark Breakerless Ignition Install Instructions