Ignition problem the truck won't start...

[raylanr]

Saturday night driving home the truck just died on me while driving(about 25-30mpg) I check if the carburetor is getting fuel and it is... also check the wires that go to the distributor cap from the ignition switch and it seem to have power... but I'm not getting any spark at the plugs cables...

my guess is something inside the distributor that is causing this... but how can I check is it in ohms, volts or what can I do...

Thanks in advance...

 

[crazy4offroad]

Picking up a cheap-o Haynes manual from an auto parts store would have all the procedures for checking the coil, ignition module and pick-up coil. I have one but I think it would be copyright infringement to scan/post pages of it on an open forum. Ignition modules are pretty cheap, usually easy to find a known good one just to swap out and see if that fixes it. When a coil goes bad sometimes they'll start, sometimes they wont but when the ignition module goes out, it's just out.

EDIT I just thought, yours is a 73 it might have points and condenser instead of HEI in which case it could be a dead condenser.

 

[raylanr]

The whole distributor cap and wires was replaced by the PO, I think I saw the book at my local autozone... I will definitely will check te condenser and the modules...

 

[RetroC10Sport]

I see the Haynes manuals at Half Price books all the time...They're about useless but can help some.

Personally, I'd head to Budget Wrench and get a distributor to change over to HEI.

 

[Jims86]

Ryan, pm me your e-mail, and I will send you some shots of the haynes manual ignition section.

 

[Jims86]

I see the Haynes manuals at Half Price books all the time...They're about useless but can help some.

Personally, I'd head to Budget Wrench and get a distributor to change over to HEI.

x2^^^^

 

[bucket]

If it has electrical wires going to the cap then it already has an HEI dizzy installed...

 

[82chevy350]

Its more than likely ignition module happened to me a couple times be sure to use that dielectric grease to

 

[HotRodPC]

Its more than likely ignition module happened to me a couple times be sure to use that dielectric grease to

73 is point ingnition if it's OEM. I'd say points are burnt, or got moisture in the cap. To find out, take the dizzy cab off, a few quick shots of WD-40, replace the cap, fire it up. If its moisture, it'll fire right up anyway. The WD-40 won't hurt a thing so try that. If not start, then after making sure you have voltage to coil, then it's the points.

I agree w Retro, convert to HEI. Ebay has NEW complete ready to drop in Dizzy for less than $40. Module and all.

If it has been converted to HEI, then its likely the module.

 

[HotRodPC]

Do keep in mind, if you are running points NOW, and convert to HEI, there is some minor wiring to deal with. The old Points system, runs on 6volt, so if its 12 volts going to the points, you will fry them in short order. Like within a week of say 20 miles a day.
This is why on points systems, you use the R terminal of the starter solenoid. R for resistor cuts the voltage to 6 V. Or, it uses a ballast resistor on the firewall which is 60's technology so I say not likely. Now you might see 12 volts and this is normal. You get 12 volts going to the coil while CRANKING the motor, then in the Run position once it starts up, the voltage is cut to 6V. Bottom line, avoid all the ******** and go to a Full time 12 volt electronic HEI ignition. The only way to go for dependability.

 

[raylanr]

I'm pretty sure it has been converted to HEI. my cap looks basically like this one...
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...odule-HEI/_/N-25vo?itemIdentifier=390849_0_0_

I will go pick a module and replace it and see what happens. it has always been a 5-6 cranks for her to start, I think the module was failing and since is not my daily driver it will sit for day without being started...

Thank you all and I will let you all know if it was the module.

 

[Jims86]

I'll be shooting you that haynes info after I take my kid to school.

 

[raylanr]

I'll be shooting you that haynes info after I take my kid to school.

Thank you very much Jim

 

[raylanr]

Just want to thank everyone for their input, you all were right it was the module it took me a whole to get around to fix it up. Since it was park in a different spot I find that my steering fluid is leaking and it's a lot...

 

[HotRodPC]

Great. Thanks for the coming back to update the thread with a fix. Foamy is in Pflugerville too, you oughta hit him up and take a look at his project in real life. Damn, I'd sure love to.