I have a 1974 Dodge D-300 318c.i and a Edlebrock 4 barrel.
I have had continuous ignition/electrical problems with it.
Engine has been rebuilt and when she starts, it runs well.
New Eldbrock 4 barrel carb (man choke) and all ingition parts within 1 yr old.
PROBLEM - When trying to start it, it may start but only after I let go of the key (starter not activated). It mostly just burps & I end up flooding it !
The ballast resister is in the run (ignition ON) circuit to the coil.
During the starting mode (cranking) this resister is by-passed by a circuit that is activated by the starter to provide a full 12 volts to the coil.
Some Mopar starter arrangements used a separate contact in the starter solenoid to achieve this by-pass and some used a relay.
Test this circuit by connecting a voltmeter to the + side of the coil. During cranking this wire should read battery voltage. If not the circuit from the starter is not working. Bad relay or bad connection.
Thanks for the replies,
Timing should be fine as I was driving the day before with no problems. Went to start last eve and started fairly easy but caught & continued running when key was let go. Ran for 10 mins then just died slowly now won't start. definetly not fuel.
The relay may have internal resistance to ground that could pull down the voltage to the coil.
Disconnect the relay and by-pass the ballast resister with a jumper direct from the battery + to the coil + to start the engine.
After the engine is running disconnect the jumper. If the engine runs OK you will need to replace the relay.
Hi again Vicrod,
Now I have no spark at all. I tried all your ideas but still no go.
I sent it to a co-worker who used to be a mechanic & go figure - specializes in old dodges especially trucks. He suggests its problem stems from the distributer. Once he isolates the problem, he's likely going to install an electronic one.
I will keep all posted in what happens
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