Ignition problem

[plumkrazy]

Tried to fire up my 68 Satellite, 440, and it wouldn't start. The ballast resistor was extremely hot, replaced it and it started drove for about 3miles and it stalled, and it wouldn't start again just kept cranking. After about 10-15 minutes of sitting it started. drove her home and it stalled again. Did a complete tune-up plugs wires cap, rotor, coil. Same problem. Replaced the ECU same problem, replaced the distributor ECU and ECU harness that came with the kit, same problem repaired replace some wiring to the ignition switch, and replaced the switch, the same problem. Added a ground wire to the chassis still has the same problem. When it starts it runs fine. What am I missing?

When it won't start there is definitely no spark. It sat overnight and would not start which leads me to believe that noting is getting overheated. Sometimes I'll try to start it 3-4 times and just cranks then the next (5) time it starts. other times it starts the first time runs for a while then dies.

 

[70ChargeDodger]

I had a similar issue and it was the reluctor pick up in the distributor heating up and dying. You might want to swap it out to eliminate that as a possible culprit. Good luck

 

[plumkrazy]

I had a similar issue and it was the reluctor pick up in the distributor heating up and dying. You might want to swap it out to eliminate that as a possible culprit. Good luck

I was thinking that but I replaced the distributor with a completely new one. it's possible the reluctor is defective?

 

[dadsbee]

When it dies, before turning the key off, check to see if you have 12V coming into the ballast.. and the reduced voltage coming out. If not, it could be just a corroded bulkhead connection or the key switch.

 

[plumkrazy]

When it dies, before turning the key off, check to see if you have 12V coming into the ballast.. and the reduced voltage coming out. If not, it could be just a corroded bulkhead connection or the key switch.

I replaced the ignition switch and the key cylinder still has the same problem

 

[66Satellite47]

Bulkhead connector corrosion or deterioration?

 

[dadsbee]

I replaced the ignition switch and the key cylinder still has the same problem

No point in throwing parts at it if you're not willing to diagnose the issue, carry on.

 

[wagonman]

The way I checked my pickup coil is to set a DVOM to the A/C scale and crank the engine. You should get about 200 MV.As long as the module is getting a signal it should trigger the coil. I did the GM module conversion on my Duster but that car is just a street strip ride. My 68 Runner has the Ehereberg kit and has not missed a beat, Got the same one for the Duster and could never get it to work.

 

[dadsbee]

Looks like the fat finger red x club is out and about again..

 

[MoparLeo]

Lets back up a little. What is the history of this problem? Like Did it just start having this problem out of the blue and you hadn't done any work on the car ? Or did it start doing it after you did something?

 

[plumkrazy]

Lets back up a little. What is the history of this problem? Like Did it just start having this problem out of the blue and you hadn't done any work on the car ? Or did it start doing it after you did something?

I had new carpet installed drove car for two three weeks no problems came out one morning and would not start

 

[Bee1971]

No point in throwing parts at it if you're not willing to diagnose the issue, carry on.

I agree

It’s amazing what a simple test light can tell you

 

[LowBikeMike]

When it won't start do you have any power at the coil +? Sounds like you have a loose wire somewhere in the circuit. Check voltage at coil + terminal, wiggle wires, especially at bulkhead, ballast, etc and watch if voltage changes.