Electric Gremlins

[duodec]

A solid light from coil negative to ground while cranking means the ECU is not switching; check the reluctor and pickup, and connectors to the ECU for them.  Also verify that the ECU is properly powered and grounded.  I don't have pinouts for that handy. 

Be absolutely certain of the ECU ground; that may include verifying the engine to body ground strap (or ground pigtail from the negative battery terminal running to the body, with many aftermarket battery cables).  Bad ECU ground can give the same symptoms.

[Mike71Cuda]

Went to Advance and other auto parts stores in Jersey trying to get replacements fro ballast, vol. reg. and ecu. Every kid behind the counter had that deer in headlights look when I told them year of car, one asked if the  Hemi was a 3.2 liter, I said yeah half the engine is 3.2! Anyway I was able to get new Vol Reg, and ballast. No luck with magnetic p/u reluctor or ecu.  I saw on this forum that is was an easy part at Advnaced. Guy at Advanced said they get all there parts from NAPA, so I will start there on Tuesday.

To answer the latest question from duodec
-Confirmed ECU ground before I started, I actually removed the ECU and scratched paint down to metal where it mounts to firewall.
-ECU had power to one pin top right (I think) and ground on bottom left pin.
-When car had a 440 (last year) I bought a 1/ 2inch engine to body grounding wire (woven copper or similar) it is in same place as when 440 was in.
-I was told from a frind that it may be the magentic p/u with reluctor in distrib.

That MSD distrib is starting to look better! The only other difference from thi sHemi to 440 that ran fine was a I added a new alternator from Mancini Racing in MI. Any thoughts?

[ntstlgl1970]

If the distributor harness still has the stock style plug (one pin exposed and one not) , with the ignition switch on, you can scratch the exposed pin from the module side of the harness to any good ground and it should fire the coil. If it does, it's something on the distributor end, if not, it's on the module end. Another idea, does the rotor turn when the engine cranks over?? didn't see that mentioned anywhere. Just wanted to make sure the oil pump drive pin didn't shear which would make the distributor not rotate.....

[Mike71Cuda]

NT
My friend Ted W. from High Performance Mopar just got done telling me the same exact thing! I have the ignition system in pieces right now (took parts to show Jr. at parts store) SO I have to get it all back together and try what you/he said.
he also told m ethat h ehas had soenm ACCEKL coils that burn stuff out and that a stock coil i sjust what is needed (NAPA Tues AM!).
Dist does turn when cranking, had it apart the other day. But a great question

[Mike71Cuda]

Anyone out there have the MP #s for either the chrome or orange ECU box? Its one of the only things I still need to swap out

[Bullitt-]

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=DCC%2D4120534&N=700+400172+4294925143+4294839065+115&autoview=sku
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=DCC%2D4120505&N=700+400172+4294925143+4294839065+115&autoview=sku

[74 340 4speed]

Went to Advance and other auto parts stores in Jersey trying to get replacements fro ballast, vol. reg. and ecu. Every kid behind the counter had that deer in headlights look when I told them year of car, one asked if the  Hemi was a 3.2 liter, I said yeah half the engine is 3.2! Anyway I was able to get new Vol Reg, and ballast. No luck with magnetic p/u reluctor or ecu.  I saw on this forum that is was an easy part at Advnaced. Guy at Advanced said they get all there parts from NAPA, so I will start there on Tuesday.

That guy at Advance must have been an idiot.  I've worked at advance auto since 2001 and have been able to get most anything I need for my Cuda as far as the mechanical side of the car.  Is your module a 4 or 5 pin piece?

GP Sorenson Part# EL101 5 pin module

GP Sorenson Part# EL110 4 pin module

GP Sorenson Part# EL202 Reluctor

GP Sorenson Part# EL304 Magnetic Pickup

[Mike71Cuda]

74 340 4speed
Thanx for the update I confirmed with Advance that they are getting all of teh parts you listed in your reply. I should have them by noon on Wed.!
Thx again
Smitty

[74 340 4speed]

No problem Smitty.  Glad to help out a fellow Cuda owner.  I know how frustrating it can be going into a parts store when the people behind the counter are lost.  Ususally when I go into our store when I'm off, customers or other employees will ask me for help.