1966 Plymouth Barracuda Help!

Welcome to FABO!

What kind of ignition system do you have on it? Points? Electronic? Aftermarket?

Do you have a service manual for your car?

Go to this site and download a free 66 Plymouth service manual. It's the 'bible' reference to fix your car. You can download any others that interest you while you are there..

http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=109


The wiring diagrams are in the back of chapter 8. Look up the proper ones for your car and use them to help troubleshoot your wiring. Verify you are getting voltage to the ballast resistor with the key in the "run/on" position, then check it at the coil to make sure that you are getting power to the coil.

Our resident electronic expert can help you with that (Del/67Dart273). Put up a post in the electronic section if he doesn't find you here.


As for your overheating problem:

What temp thermostat are you running?

Did you put it in a pot of boiling water to make sure that it opens properly before installing it?

Do you have a good radiator and fan shroud?

Where is your ignition timing set? If not properly set, it may run hot. Small blocks like to run at 34-36° advance at 2000-25000 RPM. Too much advance can make it run hot...

One way to help when it starts to overheat is to run the heater on high to pull more heat out of the cooling system, and also if possible when it gets real hot, run a garden hose through the radiator. Water can take away more heat than air and can help keep it from overheating in emergency. You may not have enough capacity in the radiator to keep the engine cool. Could your radiator need a recore, or is it in good shape?

A good fan shroud will also help pull the air through the radiator. If you don't have one, you may want to find one for your car.

What kind of fan are you running?

Standard or clutch? Mechanical or electric? How many blades?


Maybe take some pictures of the engine compartment from a few different angles and zooms and post them so we can see what you have and be able to give some more advice....

Welcome to the madness....