Electrical Problem

[trouble]

  Electrical problem.
I need some advice.I have a 70 440 6Pack with electronic Ignition.The car runs great starts right up.
Once in awhile the car will crank over but will not start.
When I check for spark from the coil to the distributor there will be no spark, so I know the problem is electrical.
The problem happened this morning ,cranked over no spark from coil to distributor,then all of a sudden I had spark and it started right up.
What electrical part will cause the intermittent spark to the distributor?You have the electronic ignition box,the wires to the electronic box, coil.What else would cause intermittent spark from coil to distributor?

[LAA66]

 I had a similar problem that drove me nuts! It turned out to be one of the wires at the coil. (Can't remember which). The wire was loose under the mechanical crimp of the eye connector. Every once in awhile it just wouldn't start.  From then on I decided to solder and heat shrink wrap my connectors. If it is a loose wire try wiggling each individually while the engine is running to see if it wants to miss or Die.

[trouble]

I tried that but it didn't work.
If the distributor at times does not get spark ,it has to be in the ignition system.
Is there any way the starter, or start relay can efect spark to the distributor intermittently?

[LAA66]

 You should be able to trace the current flow starting at the battery. Of coarse this would only work when it's doing  no start tantrum. I did replace the relay once and it fired up but also messed with many other wires too so can't say that was it.

 I have also heard the pin connectors on the firewall bulkhead can get corroded and not allow current thru. That's about all I can think of now. Someone will come along with other ideas I'm sure.   

[ntstlgl1970]

you definitely need to make sure the blue wire to the ballast resistor and the voltage regulator has power when the car won't start (check while cranking), then you can go from there. The steering column harness can be flaky along with the bulkhead connector.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

It's not the starter, or starter relay. It sounds like a loose connection somewhere. It could also be a ballast resistor that is ready to go to heaven. When this problem occurs, it would be nice to know what voltage you have on the "+" side of the coil, then we can go from there. The problem could also be a number of other things, but if you don't have about 10 volts going into the "+" side of the coil with the ignition switch in the "on" position, you are doomed.

  Mike

[trouble]

I'm going to start with changing the  ballast resistor.
Can I pick one up at the local auto store.How do I know which one is correct for my car.?
This is the one I have now.
When I get a chance I will check the voltage on the Positive side of the coil.
Thank you all for your help.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I'm going to start with changing the  ballast resistor.
Can I pick one up at the local auto store.How do I know which one is correct for my car.?
This is the one I have now.
When I get a chance I will check the voltage on the Positive side of the coil.
Thank you all for your help.

That baby should cost you about $5 at your Auto parts store. Here's the problem. If you tell them you have a 70 Chally with electronic ignition, they will fry their brains out.  Just say you have a 1980 Dodge Aspen. That will be safer for them.


  Mike

[trouble]

I checked with summit and they have the exact one with the same numbers ,so I ordered from them.
$8.95 for the part and $10.00 for shipping.

[ntstlgl1970]

that would really suck if it is just a loose wire.

[Chryco Psycho]

did you check the gap in the dist , it should be .008

[trouble]

I have electronic ignition.

[LAA66]

 Don't mean to speak for Chryco but there is a pickup in the distributor that reads when to fire each cylinder. You will see it next to the teeth on the dist. shaft. Use a nonmetallic feeler guage as it is magnetic and will confuse your results.

 Still thinks it's a loose wire or connector though. :poopoke:around a bit more.

[trouble]

Thanks for all your help.
I have a new electronic ignition box ,so I am going to change it.
I know it is something very simple.I took the car out for a drive hoping that it would not start,but It starts right up.

[Chryco Psycho]

check the gap in the dist , often they are set too wide & will become intermittent at starting