Weird-*** starting/running problem

[patrick66]

OK, it's not on a "C", but on my van. It's a '79 B200 with 360 4-bbl and auto. It'll run just fine, then just quit, as if you turned off the ignition. Also, if i turn off the ignition as when the van has just been parked, it will not restart until a time has gone by; anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

Here is what I've replaced so far - the factory ECU, dual ballast resistor, coil, cap, & rotor. The engine will turn over just fine, but won't start. After replacing each of these, the van ran great for a while, then the symptoms reappeared. There is fuel to the carb. Sometimes (not always), there will be no fire to the plugs..

About the only thing I can think of that is left is the reluctor in the distributor went tits-up, but we have no test light.

I need help with this ASAP, as the buyers of the van are stranded between OKC and DFW now...anyone??? I'm tapped out on ideas!

 

[Polara_500]

I had a similar problem on my 83 D150 w/318 and it was the reluctor that fixed it. Not too spendy although not always ready on all parts houses' shelf.
Mike

 

[patrick66]

That's what I'm finding online, so far.

 

[saforwardlook]

When this happens to me, it usually turns out to be the pick up coil, not the reluctor, assuming the ECU is good since you replaced it.

 

[bulldogchesty]

My mothers Dodge did the same thing and I changed the same things as you did. It turned out to be another box that was bolted to the bulkhead, the material on the back of it all melted. I think it was some some sort of time delay box. Good luck.

 

[tallhair]

Much later vehicle but I had the same problems. Chrysler dealer and local garages couldn't figure it out and changed all that stuff. Finally process of elimination I ordered a new computer and that fixed it.

It's probably a connection issue that may be affected by heat

 

[patrick66]

I'm thinking more and more that it's the distributor.

 

[RemCharger]

Yes, have seen that before. The magnetism reduces with heat.

 

[moper]

Those are syptoms of the pickup goiong bad. Techincally (in parts lingo) the reluctor is the 8-pointed star thingie so as for a pickup coil.

 

[Polara_500]

Yeah, moper said it right - I was "thinking" pickup and wrote reluctor. One won't work without the other, but they are two entirely different parts. Oh well, at least I'm used to feeling stupid, just hope I didn't cause you to waste valuable time.
Mike

 

[patrick66]

No sweat. A new dizzy has been ordered.