Engine Install (getting no spark) HELP - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SEVENTY1 · 01-16-2008, 05:32 AM

Hey guys I am in need of your expertize. Over the weekend I dropped a 350 sbc in my 71. When it came time to start it up, the motor turns but cant get it to start up. Upon close inspection I noticed that I was not getting any spark. I've got a new distributor cap and coil, and what I noticed on the coil is that I've got the plug that goes from the distributor to coil connected. Right infront of that it shows that there is another connection end that I have nothing connected to it. Is there supposed to be another plug that maybe has current or something that need to plug up to the coil?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

Andy4639 · 01-16-2008, 05:43 AM

Did you use the factory resister wire in the truck harness? If so you need to cut the resistance part out of it so you get full 12 volts while cranking it. The old distributor only needed 7 or 8 volts but with a HEI it needs the full 12 volts.

sneakysnake · 01-16-2008, 06:31 AM

You will need 12v from the Ign. to the "BAT" on the dist.

**VetteVet** · 01-16-2008, 09:47 AM

His post sounds to me like he has points ignition.
try this site.
http://abbysenior.com/mechanics/ignition.htm

wheels67 · 01-16-2008, 10:17 AM

Yeah you could bypass with a direct 12volt wire from the fuse. Just check with a test light to make sure its a "Key On" circuit first.

cdowns · 01-16-2008, 11:05 AM

if points it wont spark without the proper dwell setting

SEVENTY1 · 01-17-2008, 04:39 AM

Thanks for all the pointers. Does anyone know the color of wire I need to look for?

thanks again.

01-16-2008, 05:32 AM	#1
SEVENTY1 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Houston TX Posts: 50	Engine Install (getting no spark) HELP Hey guys I am in need of your expertize. Over the weekend I dropped a 350 sbc in my 71. When it came time to start it up, the motor turns but cant get it to start up. Upon close inspection I noticed that I was not getting any spark. I've got a new distributor cap and coil, and what I noticed on the coil is that I've got the plug that goes from the distributor to coil connected. Right infront of that it shows that there is another connection end that I have nothing connected to it. Is there supposed to be another plug that maybe has current or something that need to plug up to the coil? Any help is appreciated. Thanks

01-16-2008, 05:43 AM	#2
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Engine Install (getting no spark) HELP Did you use the factory resister wire in the truck harness? If so you need to cut the resistance part out of it so you get full 12 volts while cranking it. The old distributor only needed 7 or 8 volts but with a HEI it needs the full 12 volts. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

01-16-2008, 06:31 AM	#3
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	Re: Engine Install (getting no spark) HELP You will need 12v from the Ign. to the "BAT" on the dist. Attached Images

01-16-2008, 09:47 AM	#4
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,709	Re: Engine Install (getting no spark) HELP His post sounds to me like he has points ignition. try this site. http://abbysenior.com/mechanics/ignition.htm __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

01-16-2008, 10:17 AM	#5
wheels67 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: southern Utah Posts: 103	Re: Engine Install (getting no spark) HELP Yeah you could bypass with a direct 12volt wire from the fuse. Just check with a test light to make sure its a "Key On" circuit first.

01-16-2008, 11:05 AM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Engine Install (getting no spark) HELP if points it wont spark without the proper dwell setting __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

01-17-2008, 04:39 AM	#7
SEVENTY1 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Houston TX Posts: 50	Re: Engine Install (getting no spark) HELP Thanks for all the pointers. Does anyone know the color of wire I need to look for? thanks again.



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