Author Topic: Cuda won't Start - Ballast Resistor Readings  (Read 1770 times)

Offline Challenger_RSSS

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Cuda won't Start - Ballast Resistor Readings
« on: March 28, 2017 - 02:12:26 PM »
70 Cuda won't start, coil is new and tested good. Checked battery, ready 12 + volts. Tested Ballast, reading 10+ in and 9+ out. Is this correct ?
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Offline TelisSE440

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Re: Cuda won't Start - Ballast Resistor Readings
« Reply #1 on: March 28, 2017 - 02:51:25 PM »
I believe 9V out sounds about right. Do you have points ignition system?

Offline TelisSE440

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Re: Cuda won't Start - Ballast Resistor Readings
« Reply #2 on: March 28, 2017 - 03:19:02 PM »
You should check:

Point ignition system: Condenser, Points, Distributor fault or distributor needs turning to achieve proper timing.

Electronic Module : Check the module wiring, proper grounding and the module itself (depending on the the module's brand/model, may need different checking)

Offline Challenger_RSSS

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Re: Cuda won't Start - Ballast Resistor Readings
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2017 - 03:37:54 PM »
It has the electronic ignition module, any ideas how to test that ? Confirmed no spark at plugs.

Sorry but not experience with trouble shooting a mopar ignition system or a ballast. Great learning experience it appears!
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Offline TelisSE440

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Re: Cuda won't Start - Ballast Resistor Readings
« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2017 - 03:50:00 PM »
It has the electronic ignition module, any ideas how to test that ? Confirmed no spark at plugs.

Sorry but not experience with trouble shooting a mopar ignition system or a ballast. Great learning experience it appears!


I would take a look at this at first.

http://www.fourforty.com/techstuff/ignition.html

Then you'll see what you're up against. If you have a spare E.C.U. orange box or take someone else's temporarily, do it to eliminate that possibility instantly.

Offline burdar

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Re: Cuda won't Start - Ballast Resistor Readings
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2017 - 03:57:00 PM »
Lots of times it's a connection issue but since you posted a picture showing a MP orange ignition box, that is probably the problem.  The orange boxes are total junk now.  Go get a cheap parts store box and try that.  It's a good idea to have a spare anyway.


Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Cuda won't Start - Ballast Resistor Readings
« Reply #6 on: March 28, 2017 - 05:05:55 PM »
Power does not go through the ballast resistor during start... Check for voltage on the Brown wire while cranking.
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Offline 73440

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Offline jason340

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Re: Cuda won't Start - Ballast Resistor Readings
« Reply #8 on: March 28, 2017 - 10:47:41 PM »
Check the gap on the electronic pick up in the distributor. It should be about .009. If the gap is too wide you will get not spark. It only took me a week to find that out.
Oh, for reasons I don't know, it is said to use a non-ferrous feeler gauge. Use plastic or brass.

Offline 'Cuda Hunter

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Re: Cuda won't Start - Ballast Resistor Readings
« Reply #9 on: March 28, 2017 - 11:01:54 PM »

Oh, for reasons I don't know, it is said to use a non-ferrous feeler gauge. Use plastic or brass.

There is a magnet in there.  If you use a metal gauge you will get an inaccurate reading
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Offline AARuFAST

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Re: Cuda won't Start - Ballast Resistor Readings
« Reply #10 on: March 30, 2017 - 07:55:26 PM »
Check the rotor inside dist. cap  carbon contacts..
Coil wire to dist.........
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