Si H23 engine shutdown, dash lights go out, restarts,dies immediately if key released

[rmckim]

Cruising I-96 here in MI yesterday night @ 75-80, my led dash clock on the pass side started blinking on and off every few seconds, but not precisely or regularly. It kept doing this for 30-45 seconds and then the temp and fuel guage leds started to flicker, but didn't flash on and off like the clock did.

A few seconds later the engine and electrical completely dies & I'm just coasting along with a dead 93 lude Si strapped to me. Coasting in neutral it restarted but died as soon as the key was released.

I stopped on the shoulder and turned the inition key... it started up on the first turn but wouldn't stay lit when the key was released. Over 45 minutes it started ok every time the starter was engaged but died as soon as the key was released. No coughing, no burning smell, nothing unusual, but release the key and it died.

Next day I started it on the shoulder with no problem and drove it away. The dash leds were occasionally flickering again, but I made it home ok.

I drove the lude around the neighborhood a few times with no probs today. Don't dare drive it very far, tho.

If anyone has ANY ideas about the cause of this sudden loss of electrical and engine power, and why, after total shutdown it restarts so readily, I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts.

BTW, my distributor has had a bad cylinder sensor (dealer diagnostic) for about six months, and I have to replace it soon, but could this cause the total electrical/engine shutdown? It doesn't seem likely to me...

Thanks for your opinions.

Rick

[ShoofIsLudin]

It could be ur distributor, but u might also wanna check your battery or alternator... let me know how it works out...

[rmckim]

Originally Posted by ShoofIsLudin

It could be ur distributor, but u might also wanna check your battery or alternator... let me know how it works out...

You are correct - after getting a new distributor from Distributor King in Montreal (aka Richardson Enterprises - the company makes Moroso distributors and sells the unbadged units as generic oem replacements for less than $200), all my problems with the lude disappeared... in fact, it feels like I've got 20 more HP.

The new distributor has transformed the performance of my lude - mileage has gone up, speed and quickness are much improved, and overall engine smoothness is fantastic.

That was the best $200 I've ever spent on ANY car. If this is what Moroso distributors do, I'm very lucky to have found their supplier and an impressive discount.

If you want more details about the Distributor King - Moroso connection, email me.

Thanks for your input.

Rick