79' 318 ecu is live

I'm no electrical expert by any means but, I don't think that should have power anywhere on the case. The case should be grounded very well when bolted down. A separate ground wire to the chassis is a good idea. Your ECU is more than likely shorted out. I'd try a known working one, albeit a crappy one. You don't want to try it with a quality one (There are ways to tell a good quality one from a junky foreign made one on this site) because it might ruin that too, if it's a problem with the wiring harness. I think HalifaxHops on here can help you. It looks like you're working on a Dodge van.
Yes, 79 dodge camper van as the duster is on hiatus for the moment, still all same workings though and this is the best place I've found for help in all things LA motors