electric ?issue

[66x3]

I tried to find help in the faq index but didn't find anything helpful so here goes.My 66 C 20 started running rough and stalling a few weeks ago. Tried a couple different sets of used points,two different coils that tested ok that a neighbor had.Still ran like crap and I was barely able to make it home and into the barn where its been since.So i figure I'll fix it and put a pertronix kit in. Still no fire.Ran a wire to coil directly to the fuse panel ,12 volts to the coil ,and while cranking . Help! What am i missing?

[Clyde65]

Ignition switch?
Ballast resistor?

[franken]

Might try troubleshooting the issue rather than swapping parts. All IC engines have the same reasons for running poorly. Bad gas, carb issues, so on, and so on. Why assume w/ no testing that ther's an electrical issue?

[jayoldschool]

My 65 Impala went through the same thing. I did all the ignition stuff, converted to Pertronix, etc. Problem was a vacuum leak at the base plate of the carb.

[demian5]

I-6? V8? Auto Trans? Manual Trans?

Do a compression test first with all of the spark plugs out to get a base reading on the engine. Also, having the plugs out will tell you how the engine is running, if its rich, lean, burning oil, etc... you can rule out mechanical, then go on to the other stuff like a vacuum leak, bad wires, slipped timing...

[66x3]

Thanks Clyde,makes sense, I like the resistor possibility. Franken, The swapping coils etc. was just trying to get the truck home. I have already checked the carb etc. I have NO spark to the plugs so I pretty much know its an electrical issue. Demian 5, the plugs were badly fouled when I replaced them. The truck is a 283 stock with a 4speed 75000 miles and not an oilburner,was running great previous to this happening. Thank you all for your input. I feel like there is a problem somewhere with wiring. The old guy who had this had wires,toggle switches, splices all over under the dash, but the engine harness looks pretty complete.

[demian5]

Originally Posted by 66x3

Thanks Clyde,makes sense, I like the resistor possibility. Franken, The swapping coils etc. was just trying to get the truck home. I have already checked the carb etc. I have NO spark to the plugs so I pretty much know its an electrical issue. Demian 5, the plugs were badly fouled when I replaced them. The truck is a 283 stock with a 4speed 75000 miles and not an oilburner,was running great previous to this happening. Thank you all for your input. I feel like there is a problem somewhere with wiring. The old guy who had this had wires,toggle switches, splices all over under the dash, but the engine harness looks pretty complete.

Simple, run a wire with some clips from the battery + to the coil power side and start the truck and drive it. That bypasses the truck wiring completely.

[Clyde65]

There is either a ballast resistor or a resistor Wire that needs to be thought of if trying a new Wire from ignition switch to coil.

[nsb29]

You may have a problem with the points make sure you’re not grounding out including wiring between dis and coil make sure you’re points are open then check and see if you have 12v at points if not check + on coil also check your rotor for crack

[nsb29]

Originally Posted by nsb29

You may have a problem with the points make sure you’re not grounding out including wiring between dis and coil make sure you’re points are open then check and see if you have 12v at points if not check + on coil also check your rotor for crack

I guess I wasn’t paying attention you don’t have points anymore if your ignition module it wired properly and you have power to it then you’re losing your spark sum where check cap and rotor if rotor is cracked spark will go to ground

[66x3]

Had a couple hours to work on it today. I wish I could show you guys the jumble of wires,toggle switches ,butt connectors,twisted wires,some not even taped. The older gentleman who had this truck since 1973 I guess liked to tinker with electrics .Not sure I'd want to spend a night in his house if he played with that too! Redid the turn signal switch and did away with his Rube Goldberg aftermarket turn signal stat he had wired in. Anyway feels like I'm getting closer and thanks guys for the help.