440 MSD ignition problems

[russgoni]

I have a 1966 Satellite with a 1976 440 engine. The previous owner installed the engine along with the electronic ignition. I recently switched out the stock ignition for a complete MSD setup (box, distributor, coil & wires). Since then I have been unable to get the car running. With the key "on" I have power to the red wire (supposed to come from the ignition switch) but when I turn the switch to start the car I no longer have power so the car won't start. i directly connected the red wire to the battery (bypassed the switch) and used a remote starting device to turn the car over and it started. I've checked all the wires and have been unable to locate the correct wire that has power when the key is in both the on and start positions. It's driving me nuts! Can anyone help? The wiring is original (1966).
Thanks for reading...Russ

 

[67 coronet]

you need to find the 12 volt start wire.it jumps the main ignition circuit for starting with a full 12 volts,rather then the ballast reduced voltage used when running.hopfully someone will supply the wireing diagram,as i am at work and dont have access to one at the moment.

 

[russgoni]

Thanks

Thanks for responding...that's just it. I can't locate a 12 volt ignition wire that is powered in both the start and run positions.

 

[67 coronet]

Thanks for responding...that's just it. I can't locate a 12 volt ignition wire that is powered in both the start and run positions.

they are two different circuits.one for running,one just for starting.

 

[russgoni]

Thanks again...

So then, I have to connect two wires, one from the start source and one from the run source of the ignition system?

 

[67 coronet]

So then, I have to connect two wires, one from the start source and one from the run source of the ignition system?

on most of the early points cars,like yours was,the igntion only required about 9 volts to run.(after balast reduction)on many of those cars dodge set up the system to get 12 volts when starting(to make it easyer)and then it would switch back to resisted voltage so as not to burn up the points(several factory electronic ignitions are this way as well)so to run your factory switch you will need to possably tie those wires together.you just need to find where that othe wire tied in.

 

[russgoni]

sounds about right

That makes sense...just have to locate the correct wires!!! Thanks once again.

 

[lewtot184]

use the battery connection at the starter relay. its always hot.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Up where the ballast resistor is there are a couple of wires, blue and brown I think or two blue. One of them is the start from the IGN switch and the other is the run. From the voltage regulator there is a wire that connects to the ballast. This is the +12V to run the car and you will see it is the only wire on one side of the ballast. You can hook the MSD to that one.

 

[russgoni]

Ballast resistor

I was told that I could remove the ballast resistor (which I did) because the MSD wouldn't run effectively on 9 volts. Is this accurate?

 

[67 coronet]

I was told that I could remove the ballast resistor (which I did) because the MSD wouldn't run effectively on 9 volts. Is this accurate?

most aftermarket semi universal ignition systems require a full 12 volt source.but i would check there website for sure.you should be able to seach the web for the instructions as well.

 

[Meep-Meep]

I'm pretty sure the full 12V requirement is only for the big red wire. This is the business end hook up of the MSD. The small red wire basically turns the unit on and can probably function on 9V. The hook up I mentioned is 12V and pretty much ignores the ballast since the coil is hooked directly to the MSD. I have a car that I put an MSD on recently and will try that theory.

 

[watermelon]

I made a jumper wire to bypass the ballast resistor.

Just reuse the 12v line that was running to the positive side of the original coil.

A link to one of my old threads is below:

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?t=17195