No Fire

I just installed a new engine that has a Mallory HEI module. It was starting just fine the last two days but today i tried to start it today and it just motored over. I checked the spark at #1 plug and it was weak. I check all cables and they were snug. I checked the power to the coil and found 7 volts. Now this system has an inline resistor and i noticed that the resistor and the wiring going to the distributor was hot.

Does this resistor reduce the voltage to the coil from 12/14 volts down to 7? What could cause a problem all of a sudden like this?

 

take the mod up to autozone or advanced have them put it on the machine. sounds like it went bad maybe a spike. allso check that rotor i have had them that look fine but were shot

 

you should have 12 volts for cranking and around 9 for run.7 might be too low.does it run while cranking?

 

If it's a true HEI system, all of them that I have dealt with should have 12+ volts to the coil. Typically when a module takes a dump you will have no spark at all. As far as GM stuff goes, I think that resistors were used to keep from burning up the points.

 

Not sure what you mean by running while cranking. When i tried starting it the motor just spins with no fire. I checked the spark at the #1 plug and it was real weak. I check the voltage at the coil and it was 7. the next time i tried check the spark and # 1 there was no spark.

I am ***uming that either the ballast resistor is bad or the Mallory module.

I guess i'll change the easiest one first cause i have to pull the distributor to get the module out.

 

those mallory modules are pretty expensive.summit sells a mod.protection something or other that i know some people have put inline to save them.what i ment by starting while cranking sometimes the resister goes bad and wont give enough volts to keep the car running but it will start and run as long as you are still cranking it.