STROMBERG e-FIRE Owner'S Manual Download Page 5

 6

6. TROUBLESHOOTING

Every single e-FIRE distributor is factory-tested 
before shipping to check advance from idle up 
through the rpm range, and high tension function 
to the spark plugs. Experience has shown that our 
ignition modules are very robust. So if you have 
a problem, please read this before contacting 
Stromberg or your dealer.

A)

 If the engine will not start after installation, 

begin with the usual diagnostics. Are your plug 
wires connected properly? Do you have fuel?  
Is there a spark out of the coil into the cap? If 
the engine runs, but won’t pick up, do you need 
to adjust the timing?

B)

 Your old points distributor may run fine with 

weak input voltage, but any electronic distributor 
will struggle without a reliable power source and 
a good ground (earth). This is VERY important, 
especially on 6 volt models where under-
charged batteries, hidden ballast resistors, 
high-resistance coils, old wiring and worn starter 
motors can leave your e-FIRE without the power 
it needs. Please check it still gets a good 6 or 12 
volts WHEN CRANKING the starter.

C)

 The above also applies if the engine runs roughly, 

especially at higher rpm. If so, use a jumper 
cable to connect the e-FIRE power wire direct 
to the battery. If running improves, this usually 
indicates low voltage to the module, often caused 
by a ballast resistor or a high Ohm coil. So try 
connecting the power wire to a more direct 
source, like the ignition switch. And/or swap the 
coil to the recommended 1.5 Ohms. 

Performance 

will also be compromised if the ground (earth) 
is poor. So check for good continuity from the 
e-FIRE module mounting plate to ground.

D)

 Remember, too, that the electronic module is 

a switch for the coil. It does not govern spark 
strength. And if it sparks to one plug, it should 
spark to them all.

E)

 If at any point the module is wired incorrectly, 

supplied with excess voltage or the polarity 
reversed, it may fail and void your warranty. For 
further troubleshooting tips, visit the Stromberg 
Tech Center at: 

www.stromberg-97.com

7. MAINTENANCE

A)

 The e-FIRE 8BA distributor is designed for low 

maintenance. The top shaft bearing is sealed for 
life, with a separate seal to stop oil entering the 
distributor body. The oilite bearing at the bottom 
also requires no maintenance. After an initial 
running period, we recommend that you check 
and retighten the distributor clamp along with  
all electrical connections, including the spark 
plug wires. 

B)

 Further down the road, a little annual aftercare 

can pay dividends. A single drop of light oil on 
the felt pad under the rotor will help keep the 
advance plate moving, for example. And while 
you should aim to keep water and road salt out 
of the distributor, it is known that air inside any 
distributor cap becomes ionized and attracts 
moisture which can cause corrosion over time. 
All of the e-FIRE steel internal parts are zinc 
plated, but a light spray of water displacement 
lube to the advance mechanism (under the 
module plate), will keep the advance weights 
moving as they should. 

C)

 Stromberg e-FIRE service parts are recommended 

for reliable fit and service life. Always use 
Stromberg e-FIRE ignition modules.

4. START THE ENGINE

WARNING:

If your vehicle has a manual transmission, verify 
that it is not in gear and that the parking brake is 
on before starting. With an automatic transmission, 
confirm that it is in ‘park’ or ‘neutral’ before 
starting. Failure to do so may result in unintended 
vehicle movement causing property damage, 
serious personal injury or death.

A)

  Connect the battery and start the vehicle as usual. 

Some fine tuning of the distributor timing may be 
required both to start the engine and set the static 
timing at idle (See Section 5. Engine Timing). Pay 
particular attention to any knocking, pinking or 
detonation sound under engine load, which may 
indicate excess advance. If so, stop the vehicle, 
retard the static timing a little (See H) and  
test again.

B)

  Run the engine to full operating temperature, 

then check it idles and revs freely and take it for 
a test drive. If you suspect any problems, stop 
the engine immediately and refer to Section  
6. Troubleshooting.

WARNING:

Too much distributor advance can cause engine 
detonation, which can damage an engine very 
quickly. If you hear detonation, stop the engine 
immediately and retard the timing.

WARNING:

DO NOT leave the ignition switched on when the 
car is not running, as this can cause permanent 
overheating damage to the coil and ignition module. 

5. ENGINE TIMING 

A)

 To adjust the initial (static) timing on this 

distributor turn the body counter-clockwise to 
advance engine timing or clockwise to retard 
(See H). The adjustment is sensitive - one degree 
at the distributor is two degrees at the crank. 
Always remember to tighten the clamp bolt. For 
best results, use the engine’s timing marks and a 
timing light. The recommended static timing for  
a stock 8BA engine is 4 degrees BTDC (Before 
Top Dead Center). Different settings may 
be required for non-standard engines and 
differences in local gasoline.

B)

 The e-FIRE distributor provides a further 22 

degrees maximum mechanical advance at 
around 2600rpm. While the e-FIRE allows 
adjustment of the total advance, for most 
customers, there is no need to change the 
factory setting.

WARNING:

Always take considerable care when adjusting 
distributor timing. Failure to do so may result in 
property damage, severe personal injury or death.

5

CLIP

CLIP

H

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