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No spark NEED HELP!

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Old Nov 12, 2024 | 09:26 PM
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No spark NEED HELP!

I have a 1974 f-250 I have msd distributor. It will crank. I’m getting air and fuel 100%. I can get it to start if I keep trying it only fires when I let the key return to the on position. If let it fall back after turning it then a quick jolt will start it some times. Spark plugs and wires are good I checked the resistance and I know I have power to the distributor cap I cranked and got 12v from my wire that goes to the ignition coil. I previously had to replace the Mallory ignition module. When it is running putting it in drive it soon dies after maybe a few feet.


CORRECTION: I have a Mallory unilite distributor to be more specific.
 
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Old Nov 12, 2024 | 09:35 PM
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Typical MSD system.

If the pickup coil goes bad it can cause your symptoms.
 
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Old Nov 12, 2024 | 10:21 PM
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X2 what 440 said, duraspark distributors use the same style pickup and have the same symptoms you mentioned when they go bad.

Mine did that last summer, initially swapped the ICM thinking it was that, but when that didn't fix it, troubleshooting lead me to the pickup coil. Tried to swap pickup coil but the pickup coil wasn't quite right and I couldn't get the timing set right and had to leave the vac advance disconnected otherwise the engine would stall. Ended up swapping out the whole distributor to get it going again.

You can fix the MSD you have, get another MSD or grab a standard Duraspark dizzy and get an adapter from MSD to connect it to your MSD box.
 
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Old Nov 12, 2024 | 11:19 PM
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Originally Posted by 440 sixpack
Typical MSD system.

If the pickup coil goes bad it can cause your symptoms.

when I look up pickup coil all the I can find is the ignition module. I’m searching “Mallory unilite pickup coil” could you help point me in the right direction.
 
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Old Nov 12, 2024 | 11:20 PM
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Originally Posted by mterickson
X2 what 440 said, duraspark distributors use the same style pickup and have the same symptoms you mentioned when they go bad.

Mine did that last summer, initially swapped the ICM thinking it was that, but when that didn't fix it, troubleshooting lead me to the pickup coil. Tried to swap pickup coil but the pickup coil wasn't quite right and I couldn't get the timing set right and had to leave the vac advance disconnected otherwise the engine would stall. Ended up swapping out the whole distributor to get it going again.

You can fix the MSD you have, get another MSD or grab a standard Duraspark dizzy and get an adapter from MSD to connect it to your MSD box.

-when I look up pickup coil all the I can find is the ignition module. I’m searching “Mallory unilite pickup coil” could you help point me in the right direction.
 
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Old Nov 12, 2024 | 11:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Trent_8828
-when I look up pickup coil all the I can find is the ignition module. I’m searching “Mallory unilite pickup coil” could you help point me in the right direction.
Do you have the Mallory Unilite Distributor or a MSD Billet?

If MSD Billet:
https://www.holley.com/products/igni...ts/parts/84661



If Mallory Unilite:
https://www.holley.com/products/igni...nversion_kits/

 
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Old Nov 13, 2024 | 06:23 AM
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Originally Posted by mterickson
Do you have the Mallory Unilite Distributor or a MSD Billet?

If MSD Billet:
https://www.holley.com/products/igni...ts/parts/84661



If Mallory Unilite:
https://www.holley.com/products/igni...nversion_kits/

I have a Mallory unilite which one of this is it? Of the four you showed?
 
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