1973 dodge dart distributor problems

[gavins1daddy]

I have a 73 dart that has a 318. I cant seem to get power to the distributor. When I put a test light to the plug for the distributor I get no power but for some reason I get a static noise. I have replaced the ignition control module, ballistor resistor. I have traced the wires back to the ignition control module to see if there was a break in the wires but they were fine. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Tech857]

The 2 wire plug is the signal from the pick up in the distributor. There shouldn't be power there.

 

[gavins1daddy]

I'm not good at all this electrical stuff but doesn't the distributor need power?

 

[AJ/FormS]

No. The magnetic trigger generates an electrical pulse every time a reluctor vane passes by it(within a given distance ranging from zero to about 20 thousands of an inch; the spec being about 8 to 11 thou). It sends the pulse to the ECU which cleans it up and translates it into a different electrical signal which the coil understands and in response,fires off a high voltage pulse to the sparkplug.
You dont say it but Ima guessing the engine wont start?

 

[moe7404]

to test the reluctor wires. get an anlog meter. set it on the lowest A / C setting. put the meter probes in the two wires from the dist. when the dist is spun you will get needle movement if the retuctor is good.

 

[AJ/FormS]

Thats right, an analog meter set to A/C volts.A digital wont catch it unless it has a peak-hold feature. The output may probably peak at something like 1/2 to 2 voltsA/C; Ima guessing.

 

[gavins1daddy]

I ended up figuring it out. Another problem I'm having is timing it. There are 3-4 dashes on the harmonic balancer. How am I supposed to know which one to use?

 

[AJ/FormS]

Put the timing light on a plug wire and see what happens!