Starting Problems

[wlewis]

My 351W won't start. Turns over fine, but won't fire. It's getting gas, as I've flooded it and can smell gas. Looks like it's not getting any spark. Tried a test lite between distributor and coil and between plug wire and plug. In both cases, it sparks momentarily when turning on ignition switch, but doesn't spark when turning engine over. Think it's my MSD Ignition box (6AL) or MSD Coil? Something else?
Walter

[diegokid]

There were posts on this website about MSD dist. caps having some problems, so start with cap, rotor and magnetic pickup. Move backward down the system from there. If you have energy going to the cap but not leaving thats where I would look first. I had some old testing equipement for coils and other various car electrical components ect. It wasn't that expensive so this can give you an excuse to expand your assortment of tools. ;)

[weaver]

Sounds like a bad ignition switch, part # US 14 by standard.

[brfutbrian]

based on the fact im on my third switch, im with alan

[Naumoff]

Will,
Put a separate push bottom in for the starter. It will keep you from wearing out that delicate ignition switch.

[peter]

hope you have it figured out.
i had an interesting time last year with a similar issue. car started and ran fine when cold but as soon as it got hot it would magically stall. 30 minutes later it would restart again only to stop again when hot. It turned out to be the magnetic pickup in the distributor. heat would cause it to short out.

[wlewis]

Ignition switch solved the problem. Thanks Alan!
Walter

[pgermond]

Interesting. What's the life expectancy of the ignition switch on these babies?

[brfutbrian]

phil, first switch less than 200 miles, 2nd about 3000, got about 1000 on the third. it never failed to start or run, both needed to find the sweet spot in the run position to make the gauges work. later, brian.

[wlewis]

I bought my kit in 98. It's been drivable for 3 years. My switch was 10 years old but was operational for 3. Car only has 1900 miles on it.

[pgermond]

Interesting. Mine must be like a cat (9 lives).... going on 5-years and 6,000+ miles. Wonder if the climate has anything to do with it?

[brfutbrian]

phil, odd as it may sound the two switchs failed in gadsden during homecoming, one in 2002 and one in 2006. i caulked it up to being mistaken as a yankee and not a rebel. and i dont understand it. because after all i do live in "southern" new england. and then theres that whole "freakin" nickname thing. sucks that you cant make it to gadsden this year. youll be missed by many.
later. brian.

[will butterworth]

replaced a pocket full of ignition switches.Rolled over 15,000 miles yesterday--took joan for a slow ride thr. countryside late in day. Will-alabama

[eliminator]

5 years and 6,000 miles and one switch, who knows.

[ralphscott]

7 years 6,000 miles still working!

Ralph

[wlewis]

After a few succesful starts, after ignition switch installation, car wouldn't start again. A new magetic pickup in distributor solved the problem. It's been a month or so now and so far it's been fine.

[pgermond]

After a few succesful starts, after ignition switch installation, car wouldn't start again. A new magetic pickup in distributor solved the problem. It's been a month or so now and so far it's been fine.

What distributor are you using?

[wlewis]

I have an MSD 8578.

[Mike Geddes]

Same Ignition switch since I got the kit in 1991......works for me.
I'll be getting the 427 out of winter storage next week....Hopefully the switch will work.
Cheers........Mike

[pgermond]

Same Ignition switch since I got the kit in 1991......works for me.
I'll be getting the 427 out of winter storage next week....Hopefully the switch will work.
Cheers........Mike

What a thrill that has to be every spring.... pulling the car out after a long hibernation. Have fun!!!