Distributor Module from a '96 4.3 V6 Volvo Penta Cobra

[mpt]

Is there a way I can bench test this unit with my multitester?

 

[makomark]

looks like a delco est module...no, a multimeter on the bench isn't sufficient for testing them...

 

[mpt]

I had the distributor checked at Philibins Rebuilt Products, Inc. in Portland , Oregon. They tested it and said that the module was bad and the pickup coil, main coil, and the rest all checked out good. They replaced the module for $50. I got home, put distributor back in, tried to start engine, still no spark!! Next day I had a friend who is a great troubleshooter help me fix the problem of no spark. We traced it to the twin (pink and brown) wire plug that runs between coil and distributor. I cut it out of the main harness and found that it had an in-line inductor (item #33 on diagram). That is where we found the short when we tested it with a multitester. I clipped out the inductor and re spliced, soldered, and shrink wrapped pink wire back together. Now everything works fine! My questions are: Is that inductor necessary, or is it going to be ok to run with out it? Sorry about the small diagram, this website is a challenge when it comes to attaching pictures!

 

[makomark]

The inductor is there to minimize RF interference....many have had it fail and eliminated it.....doing so may cause the ignition to generate "noise"....

You can try it without the inductor and, if your radio (or other electronics) don't get impacted by the noise, don't worry about it....you can always add the inductor back into the circuit if needed...