Engine dies at idle an running

I have an issue where the engine will die at idle or driving like the key was turned off. It starts right back up. It is a 75 302. Manual trans.

I've replaced, coil, distributor cap, rotor, wires, fuel filter, rebuilt carburetor.

I tried replacing the ICM from AutoZone, and it gets worse. Won't start.

Sometimes I can drive 20-30 miles. No problems. Then drive 3 miles and it will die several times.

I read maybe the pickup module on the distributer, but it was on 90's bronco.

Any ideas?

Thanks Chuck

Hmmm....??   "but it was on 90's bronco."  

What exactly was on a 90 Bronco..?

The "pick-up" inside the dizzy has been known to fail on the Dura-spark ignition.

When it comes to "ignition" .., quality parts will serve you best.

One of 3 things failing will cause engine quit.  loss of fuel, spark, or air. 

Yours is not likey air.

"but it was on 90's bronco." The post was about a 90's bronco that I read. Where do you recommend getting a pickup?

The symptom is classic for a failing pickup when they get hot.  When they cool off the truck starts right up.  Can't guarantee that this is your problem but sure sounds like it.

I'm guessing that the 75 has a Duraspark ignition.  If so, the distibutor has a small pickup inside it that is accessible by removing the distributor cap.  

1. remove the distributor cap

2. remove the rotor

3. remove the reluctor (looks like a gear). (be careful not to loose the small roll pin that keeps the reluctor from sliding around the shaft)

4. remove the pickup unit that is under the reluctor

5 reverse to install new pickup

You can get quality parts at a professional auto supply store, (not a big box store).  

Good luck,

>-

Some information to help you troubleshoot the problem

Here it is.., the dark object in the lower left.., ready for removal.

(Duraspark dizzy)

Thanks for the info. FYI, it doesn't need to cool off to start. It starts back up immediately.

 Ignition issues are fun (not) to chase down.

Now., this sounds like a damaged, loose wire. 

The key switch could be the culprit as well. Inspect the wires on the back of the switch.

The internal contacts may be worn.

There's off., run., start., & accessory  positions.

(your 1st post said "won't start")

"I tried replacing the ICM from AutoZone, and it gets worse. Won't start."  

Not sure what this means..? What was in there & what's in there now..?

 

 "I tried replacing the ICM from AutoZone, and it gets worse. Won't start."    

I bought an ICM and put it in. Lost spark. I put the original ICM back in and I'm back to where I was. I replaced the pickup yesterday and had problems again this morning. I'm going to look at the key switch now. I put a new wiring harness in a few years ago, but not a new switch.

Good job..!!

You're ahead of me...  I've not done a "re-wire" ..!

Seems like it would be a fun project yet.., not looking forward to it.

I'm at the stage ---  "if it works, don't ****** with it."

However.., I've added a fuse panel under the hood for several add-ons

like tach, pumps, radio, etc.

BTW  Where's your pics...?

Looks like it was the pickup module. No shutoffs since we replaced it. Now need to get the carb back in tune because we had messed with it.

The wiring was not too bad. I used a Centech harness. Pretty straight forward. Currently putting an EZwiring harness in my son's MGB-GT. Now that is a challenge!!!!!  Definitely understand why Brits like warm beer /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Thank you for your help.

AND.., thank you for the follow-up report...!!  :-B

That's rare these days.  It really helps us help others if we see our advice is working. /

Also helps those to bashful to sign up & ask questions.... :blush: