Truck Stalls - no power at ignition - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Posted · 06-02-2014, 01:58 PM

Posting this here to see if I get a few replies. Truck runs perfect. Pull out of the garage let it run and it dies like someone turned the key off. Just finished the build. 2nd time this happened. Last time I changed the battery, check neutral safety plug, and checked and retightened all wiring to starter. Then it ran.

This time I looked at the coil wires and touched to see if they are tight, checked alternator wires. Put truck in and out of gear. A minute or two of this and it started. I had to leave so I drove it back in the garage. I think I have a ground issue on dash harness. I may not of grounded good enough. Other ideas welcomed.

pwdcougar · 06-02-2014, 05:02 PM

Are you running stock points? Had a Ford van that did this and it wound up being the condenser.

Paul

Boyd · 06-02-2014, 05:21 PM

If you're running an HEI, check the ignition control module and the 12v lead going into the distributor.

alsriv2 · 06-02-2014, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwdcougar

Are you running stock points? Had a Ford van that did this and it wound up being the condenser.

Paul

I had this problem as well. Would drive for weeks and run like a champ then it would shut off without notice. Change the condenser on the side of the road and presto...running like a champ again. I have since convertered to an HEI setup and have had no other issues.

Posted · 06-22-2014, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boyd

If you're running an HEI, check the ignition control module and the 12v lead going into the distributor.

What is the ignition control module? Truck is now sitting with nothing happening at key. I have power to the ignition and 12 to the main pink to coil. Could it be a bad ignition?

davepl · 06-22-2014, 07:29 PM

More grounds == better. Especially during a restoration when you're painting and powder coating stuff, I've added a whole extra package of chassis grounds and have run extra dash grounds and so on.

So far I'm a big fan of the Pertronix 3 module. Replaces points inside of a stock distributor body. I think it even does capacitive discharge and multiple spark, at least at lower RPMs.

In the shop manual it says very explicitly and boldly that the condenser is only there for radio interference prevention and plays no role in the ignition process.

Since I can't tell you what it actually does, I'll have to believe that. Of course if it shorts out internally that failure will play a -big- role in the ignition process, which a few of you have found out!

06-02-2014, 01:58 PM	#1
Posted Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: sprinfield Posts: 134	Truck Stalls - no power at ignition Posting this here to see if I get a few replies. Truck runs perfect. Pull out of the garage let it run and it dies like someone turned the key off. Just finished the build. 2nd time this happened. Last time I changed the battery, check neutral safety plug, and checked and retightened all wiring to starter. Then it ran. This time I looked at the coil wires and touched to see if they are tight, checked alternator wires. Put truck in and out of gear. A minute or two of this and it started. I had to leave so I drove it back in the garage. I think I have a ground issue on dash harness. I may not of grounded good enough. Other ideas welcomed.

06-02-2014, 05:02 PM	#2
pwdcougar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,307	Re: Truck Stalls - no power at ignition Are you running stock points? Had a Ford van that did this and it wound up being the condenser. Paul __________________ "You know that little thing in your head that keeps you from saying things you shouldn't? Yeah well, I don't have one of those" 1969 Mercury Cougar Standard 4 speed 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible 1970 4WD Chevrolet Suburban 1997 4WD Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Bed (purchased new January 1997)

06-02-2014, 05:21 PM	#3
Boyd Resident Lurker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Forney, TX Posts: 205	Re: Truck Stalls - no power at ignition If you're running an HEI, check the ignition control module and the 12v lead going into the distributor. __________________ The Rotten Mule: '72 Chevy Short Step Project- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=417252 "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats."- H.L. Mencken

06-22-2014, 07:29 PM	#6
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Truck Stalls - no power at ignition More grounds == better. Especially during a restoration when you're painting and powder coating stuff, I've added a whole extra package of chassis grounds and have run extra dash grounds and so on. So far I'm a big fan of the Pertronix 3 module. Replaces points inside of a stock distributor body. I think it even does capacitive discharge and multiple spark, at least at lower RPMs. In the shop manual it says very explicitly and boldly that the condenser is only there for radio interference prevention and plays no role in the ignition process. Since I can't tell you what it actually does, I'll have to believe that. Of course if it shorts out internally that failure will play a -big- role in the ignition process, which a few of you have found out! __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

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