Ignition problems (Switch ?)
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New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10
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From: Mesa AZ
Ignition problems (Switch ?)
I have a questions about my truck
I can't get my truck to start and when I try to start it I'm not getting any spark until I let off the key. I have no Ideas on what could be wrong with it??!?
I have already replaced the coil ignition switch and ignition module.
I can't get my truck to start and when I try to start it I'm not getting any spark until I let off the key. I have no Ideas on what could be wrong with it??!?
I have already replaced the coil ignition switch and ignition module.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,623
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From: Albuquerque
There are two ignition cicuits. One supplies 12v to the coil etc for cranking. When the ign. switch is in run you should see around 8v. make sure both small wires are attatched at the starter solenoid. It could also be the ign. switch or just a broken wire/connection.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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Have a helper hold a test light to the + post of the coil while you turn the ignition key to the RUN position...then the start position.
There should be a dimmer light in the RUN position compared to start.
Establish power to the coil first, then get back to us with the results.
There should be a dimmer light in the RUN position compared to start.
Establish power to the coil first, then get back to us with the results.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 828
Likes: 3
From: Baltimore
I bet the "hall effect" pickup in the distributor has crapped out. There are some simple diagnostics you can run to verify this. By the way, that spark you see when you turn off the key is normal.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Baltimore
It's the pickup that is mounted to the plate in the distributor. The distributor shaft has what looks like a star on it and each point of that star passes by the pickup to generate a spark signal. If you have an 8 cylinder, the star has 8 points and if you have a 6 cylinder, the star has 6 points.
In the good ole days, the plate in the distributor was called the breaker plate. The vacuum advance diaphragm pulls on that plate to advance the timing of the engine when you press on the accelerator.
In the good ole days, the plate in the distributor was called the breaker plate. The vacuum advance diaphragm pulls on that plate to advance the timing of the engine when you press on the accelerator.
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New User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Mesa AZ
I just got done testing the elctrical system. I am getting 12volts to the ignition module and 12volts to the coil too but I am still not getting NE thing new just the same old fire after I let off the key. could it still be in the distributor??
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 564
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From: Indianapolis IN
It is the Dizzy, I had the exact same problem, Drove me nuts trying to find it , when I finally got it running (broke) and tryed to drive it(bad Idea) It backfired and caused alot of other problems.Exploded two Flowmasters.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 71
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From: I live in Morgantown, WV
I just went through everything that you have listed, I just rebuilt my 351M, put everything back in the truck, and went to start it and all I could get it to do was turn over, I had a brandnew Mallory distributor and coil, brand new module, solenoid, and finally, after about 3 weeks of trying to start it, I got the right wire combo for the distributor, and I also changed the ignition switch, so if you dont have any broke or loose connections, and you havent touched the distributor, I would consider purchasing another ign. switch just for the well being that new dosent always mean good! Just my two cents.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: college station
Originally Posted by youngAZfordguy
I just got done testing the elctrical system. I am getting 12volts to the ignition module and 12volts to the coil too but I am still not getting NE thing new just the same old fire after I let off the key. could it still be in the distributor??
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New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10
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From: Mesa AZ
I just got done replacing the distributor (that was a pain in the butt) and everything is back to normal just like new. thanks for all of yoor help im sure you will be seeing my name in the future