No Spark

[punisher72]

Hello all. I have a small problem i hope? My challenger just died while turning a corner??? The problem is i have no spark? Im running a 318 4speed, Standard electronic dizzy with a msd 6al box. I changed the coil and no change there? Has anyone had a similar problem? 

[Chryco Psycho]

Well it could be a number of issues from a failed msd box or bad pick up coil in the dist or a wiring problem connecting to the MSD

[MEK-Dangerfield]

With the key in the "on" position, what voltage do you have on the "+" side of the ignition coil?

[punisher72]

Thanks guys. I have 9.15 volts at the + side of the coil.... The alternator has 11.9 volts. The battery is in the boot and i am havin charging problems??? Allthough the auto lecky said its charging fine? Not sure if this could contribute to the cause??

[punisher72]

just to clarify. even with jumper leads and the motor winding ova like a trooper there is still no spark?? Anybody got ideas? Can i test the msd and the distributer?

[Moparal]

I hope it's not your msd box.  You need to rule it out tho.  MSD rebuilds all their boxes for like 49 bucks. I had to have 3 rebuilt over the years. They are in Texas. The guy up there told me that 99% of the time it was a 20 cent radio shack resistor in them that goes bad

[Bullitt-]

Pop the cap & make sure the rotor is solid.

[punisher72]

Hey Moparal. Thanks bud, i live in australia so i will have to hunt around for a repairer ova here  The cap and rotor appear to be fine. I was thinking of trying a different dizzy first to see if the spark thingy is gone?. Its so frustrating  I just want to cruise . Cheers

[punisher72]

Well well well...... Car started today and all was good??? Didnt touch a thing??? Then lookout wouldnt start again? Earth on msd box was a tiny loose so tightened up then whammo all good again!!!!!!! Took car to fuel up then around to an old fella to tune up. Tune was all done and good,said my thanks then backed out and noticed smoke comming from under bonnet. Switched off to find the main charging wire from alternater had fried its self??  cut that out then i had no spark and wouldnt fire up?? By passed the ballist resistor which im told shouldnt be in the system with the msd and whammo starts again??? im at a loss at what is going on??

[Hemi Dude]

Hi punisher and congrats on your purchase. Nice ride and colour, mine is the same with same hood.
Electricals can be frustrating specially on saturday night when you are ready to cruise.
It is a 39 years old car and if it still has the original harness it would be a bit tired by now.
I have found the main plug on your firewall can cause headaches. It is a double plug, carefully unplug it without breaking it and have a good look at the terminals. You will find corrosion on them i can bet you. Get some good quality terminal cleaner from your local electrical store or ask your electrician to lend you some. Spray liberally on the terminals, let it dry for a minute or so and firmly plug them back together again and it may just fix your problem.
MSD should have 12 volts supply without ballast resistor.
Is your dizzy electronic or points. If electronic you may have to replace your ignition module (the orange box on your firewall) they will to fail after a while.

See how you go....

[punisher72]

Thanks hemi dude Im running the electronic dizzy atm and i did an ohm test on dizzy and its fine. The msd 6al box has been spliced into harness so there is no orange box anymore. The ol mechanic said the ballist resistor should be taken out?? something about the voltage drop when starting???. Still confused bout the burning wire but?

[dodj]

  Still confused bout the burning wire but?

It likely burned because of it getting grounded somehow. With that wire going from the alternator, through the bulkhead connector to the ammeter, back through the bulkhead connector to the starter relay then finally to the battery, there are many connections that can give you grief. Check your bulkhead connector, it may have melted as well. Trace the charging wire all the way to the battery to make sure you don't have any pinched or melted wires. Unfortunately not a rare occurrence on unmodified electrical systems. With that wire intermittently grounding it could cause all sorts of strange occurrences.   

[73Chally]

Have you considered ditching the MSD system and going back to a stock Mopar electronic ignition?  I would think you could pick up all the parts you would need locally.  I know a lot of people swear by the MSD boxes, but I also know of a number of people, including myself, who have had nothing but trouble with them.  After 3 failed setups, including 2 right out of the box, I went to the MP electronic kit, and zero problems since.

[Chryco Psycho]

 
 I have seen a lot of failures with the MSD , The Mallory system is just as good & 1/2 the $$

[punisher72]

Thanx for the replys. I will take all this on board and see what happens! I dont need the msd,its no race car, yet  I just want to cruise!!!!!!!!!!