340 Duster not getting spark.

[340Dust-her]

Here's the scenario. I have a 1971 Duster with a 340 from a 68' barricuda. Im assuming it was orginally a points type distributor. 2 years ago it didnt seem to start, ignition system was old, If i recall correctly it had an old style mallory distibutor. I ordered a mopar performance ignition kit. It came with electronic distributor, mopar ignition control unit, ballast resistor. I replaced the distributor, ballast resistor and finally the ignition control unit. It wouldnt start. I then switched and put the old ignition control unit and it started right up. Ran for a while. I then thought about replacing the ignition coil, since it was the orginal and really old. Bought one from autozone and it wouldnt start again. Reused the old coil and started right up. Couple of weeks later i had to replace the voltage regulator. Just yesterday i threw in a new Edelbrock dual plant manifold along with a holley 600 carb. Was cranking with key and it wanted to turn over, but the distributor was far advanced. I then charged the battery for a bit and tried to start again and nothing. It wont turn over. No park or neutral. I then got my power probe and jumped it from the ignition switch, it then cranked, but no spark coming from coil. Stupid question im sure, but would a faulty ignition switch cause this whole scenario? You'll have to forgive my grammer, as of now I'm running back and forth on my driveway like an idiot,lol.

 

[RedFish]

Yup it does sound like a bad ignition switch. a few different things can cause no spark but only a few will cause no start signal to starter relay.

 

[340Dust-her]

Thanks man, you have no idea how good that sounds. Would you happen to know if Electronic distibutors and Points type distributors use different ignition coils?

 

[RedFish]

Thanks man, you have no idea how good that sounds. Would you happen to know if Electronic distibutors and Points type distributors use different ignition coils?

points run on 12000 volts where HEI runs twice that. I know that 12K looks like a typo but the volts are in very low amps.
Your ignition switch on column or dash ?

 

[340Dust-her]

I believe its in the column. When i say i "Jumped" the switch, I meant the "starter relay or solenoid? It's located right by the battery on driver side front.

 

[RedFish]

Double chack all the simple stuff first. Being fusible link and those bulkhead connections, battery ground cable to block, ground strap engine to firewall, etc.. Those come and go electrical problems can be hard to find and part changing gets expensive.
If the switch is in the column and you do purchase an aftermarket replacement, ask before you hook it up or you may loose the dash lights.
The aftermarket switches have a extra wire included thanks to the chineese.

 

[340Dust-her]

Will do, thanks a million. Lastly, any recommendations for ignition coils? I asked autozone(parts store) for pricing on a 73' Duster(340) Reason i asked for this year is because they were installed with electronic distributors that year. Price for duralast was $29.00. Don't know if i want to trust duralast.