Help, please!! Volvo 164 electronic ignition module failure

Alastair · May 5, 2016

Yesterday the gremlins struck. The car glided to a halt and was later towed to my garage. Apparently the module in the dizzy for the electronic ignition has failed. Does anyone know where I can get one for a 164 straight 6 motor of approximately 1971 origin, please? Or does anyone know where I can get the whole thing replaced in Sydney, preferably the Northern beaches area.

Failing that, does anyone have a dizzy for such a motor that's actually working??

Thanks

Alastair

OldnDecrepit · May 5, 2016

There's two Volvo 164s for sale on Pickles auctions but you might have to buy a whole car.

Try Rob Eldridge for 164 parts.

Alastair · May 5, 2016

Hi O&D

I am new to this forum so don't know how to get hold of Rob Eldridge. can you help me please?

Alastair (also O&D!!)

Rob · May 5, 2016

Hi @Alastair

Electronic ignition? that is very unusual in an Australian car. only 75's came with them and as far as I am aware we don't have any 75's in Australia. I had a genuine electronic distributor in mine but I imported it from Holland.

I can certainly give you advice on how to get it fixed and could help you out with a non-electronic distributor. There are also aftermarket options available.

Do you have a picture of your current distributor?

Alastair · May 5, 2016

Hi Rob

Many thanks for answering.

The car is actually a 1971 Marcos GT Coupe which I have just imported so it has in it an aftermarket electronic ignition module.

I shall go round to the garage now and take a picture of the dizzy.

Alastair

Alastair · May 5, 2016

Rob · May 5, 2016

They are available ex US for about $100

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Electronic-Ignition-Volvo-1800-66-122-140-240-340-343-345-360-GLS-B17-B19-B23-/311605511128?hash=item488d22c3d8:m:m8g9C4JtVo0KxFnJfn-CPoQ

The best option is to fit a 123 distributor. these things are fantastic, you will not regret it.

http://www.123ignition.com.au/

http://www.123ignition.com.au/index.php/product-list/volvo

Alastair · May 5, 2016

Hi Rob

Many thanks indeed. I have already spoken to Ted and I am keeping my fingers crossed that he has one in stock.

Very grateful for your immediate help

Alastair

Rob · May 5, 2016

I have a 123 in mine, single best thing I have ever done to the car.

egads (she/her) · May 5, 2016

123 ignitions are transformative, car will wake up through the whole range and will lose any ignition gremlins. Is the engine carburetor or djet edit?

Alastair · May 6, 2016

The car has twin Strombergs.

I have just ordered a 123 from The Netherlands. Sweden still hasn't answered my e-m! The Australian Agent does not have one in stock for the 164 motor.

Can't wait to get it fitted. Thanks for the advice and support that it is a good system.

Alastair

egads (she/her) · May 6, 2016

Will do good things (tm)

Presumably you have been warned about ethanol containing fuel eating the diaphragms on the Strombergs?

Alastair · May 6, 2016

Hi Egads

Never use any petrol containing ethanol in any cars. So 'poor person'!!! Anyone who uses petrol containing ethanol is on the road to disaster!

Alastair

Alastair · May 28, 2016

OK. The 123 Ignition system is fitted and the car seems (?) to run well.

Then I booked it in to have the carbies serviced (Strombergs) as it was felt they may have leaky diaphragms. Yes, holes everywhere. leaks in the carby gaskets and leaks in the inlet manifold gasket. It's a wonder the car ran at all!! So, just awaiting gaskets from Mexico (Melbourne) and all will be well.

Another discovery on the 164 engine was the water pipe that runs from near the water pump to the back of the engine had almost rusted through. This pipe is not normally visible as it is hidden by the carbies and manifolds. Phew. Thank goodness that was found otherwise it would have gone out on the open road.

Some wag said to me today 'are you sure your car is yellow? I think it is lemon-coloured!'

Alastair