Ignition issues

[66CoronetMan]

I have a 1966 Dodge Coronet with a 440 I am having an issue getting 12 volts to the ballast resistor it is showing 9 and not anymore I have cleaned all the bulkhead connection. It was originally a points ignition had to swap to OEM style hei because the motor that came with the car was a 73 block and it is what I had but not getting the 12 volts I need for starting. I can run the motor by run a jumper to the positive of the ignition coil but would like to fix that. Any help would be great appreciated.

 

[Don67Satellite]

Welcome to the forums, I see it's your 1st post. You should introduce yourself in the Welcome Wagon and show off your Coronet.

As for the ignition, I assume you have read the instructions. Most newer electronic/MSD systems eliminate the ballast resistor, AFAIK likely would for HEI, as the ballast only was there for points style ignitions.

My old MSD 6A box was wired up with its main power red wire to the lug on the starter relay, black to ground obviously, and the smaller red trigger wire connected to the old coil wire (blue wire). Ran that way fine for ages with the ballast still there.

You can also gut the ballast resistor and install a 10AWG wire in place of the resistor if you'd like to keep the factory look. I did this when I switched to a Progression Ignition which requires full 12V in start/crank/run, so it is powered off the gutted ballast.

 

[Geoff 2]

I would start at the ign sw. Check to see if you are getting 12v [ a little bit less due to voltage drop is ok ] at the ign sw, in 'run' position. Then remove a wire [ any wire ] from the ign/start relay so that the engine will not crank. Now test for 12v at the ign sw 'start' terminal.
Then go to the bulkhead connector & check both sides for 12v, ign sw still in the 'start' position. Will probably need an assistant. So process of elimination.

 

[Don Frelier]

I agree with the above.
9 volts in the run position with the cat not running is about normal.
Sounds like you're not getting the start 12 volt power.
Check the brown wire from the ballast resistor back at the bulkhead connection.
The brown wire is powered when you turn the key to the start position.