Car Just Died & Wont Start...I'm baffled

[Richin65]

68 Charger 383. Drove it to the store today and as I pulled into the parking lot, it simply just dies. No sputtering, backfiring or anything...Just quietly died. It ran fine down to the store. It will crank over but not start. Has gas to the carb, has spark (my buddy said it was weak though , so changed out the coil with a spare coil to no avail). check all the plugs and the distributor (points and etc), and they all are fine. Three of the plugs were a little fowl, but cleaned them up and put them back in. Possible timing chain??? I'm puzzled. Any thoughts or inputs are welcomed. Thanks guys!!

 

[Xp29h]

Ballast resistor! Change out if you have a spare. With points system there isn't a way to bypass that I'm aware of. Good luck.

 

[Hemi Rebel]

If it has spark the ballast resistor must be good. If its weak could be an issue with points/condenser.

 

[Dennis H]

For good measure only, carefully remove the Bulkhead Connector and spray with electrical cleaner until the can is empty. (exaggerating) Reassemble.

 

[badlite]

I would replace the condenser first.

 

[Cranky]

Ballast resistor! Change out if you have a spare. With points system there isn't a way to bypass that I'm aware of. Good luck.

Yes, you can....it's called hot wiring. Real easy too. Full 12 volts straight from the battery to the coil......but the points will burn up faster than if they are ran through the resistor like that but it'll take awhile unless the points are cheap. I'm an old points guy and everything from WalMart etc are junk. Blue Streak is the only brand to use and will outlast any of the others 3-1 at least.

 

[Richin65]

I would replace the condenser first.

Had a spare ballast, so I switched it quick like. Didn't work. I'll look into the condenser tomorrow. Appreciate the comments guys. I'll keep you posted.

 

[mopar 3 B]

If you think it is the condenser disconnect it and see if it starts.it will run without it again points will not last as long. But if is an emergency do what you gotta do and fix it right asap.

 

[miller]

Could be bad plug/coil wires, too.

Point system works better using regular core wires...you know...the real thing.

 

[Xp29h]

Good to rule out one of the most common issues, the ballast. I have actually seen a situation with low spark as mentioned and replaced the ballast and fired right up. I think in a few cases, the resistor allows enough spark but very weak and erratic for a short time before it completely goes out. Anyway, glad that's out of the way. as mentioned, I'd go right down the line, condenser, points, plugs and wires. Good luck.

 

[dieseldazzle]

Did you only check for spark from the coil to the dizzy coil lead.

Thats only part of the path.

Pull a plug wire off and make sure its getting to the plug, but first pull the cap and make sure the dizzy is spinnin if you got fuel and compression and it wont even pop stumble or anything.

 

[Richin65]

It was the condenser. Thank you guys for taking the time to respond, and helping me solve the problem.

 

[Xp29h]

Excellent! Easy fix!