Hello. I'm hoping someone can help me with a very vexing problem. I have a 1976 Chrysler Newport with the 400 cid non-lean-burn 2 bbl. I've owned the car for 20+ years and it's always started and run great. Recently, however, I have a problem starting the car. Using an in-line spark detector between the distributor and the #1 spark plug, I have determined that I have an intermittent spark failure.
When the engine is cold, cranking will not cause a spark until I let off the key. Just as the key is going back to the "on" position from "start" there will be an single spark. If I'm lucky, this single spark will be enough to start the car. If not, I need to try a few times, cranking a couple seconds and letting off the key praying for ignition. If I do this more than 5-10 times, the car floods and I need to walk away for a bit.
Once the car starts, it runs great. I've run it for over an hour and it never misses a beat. The spark detector shows regular sparks without any missing.
Shutting the car off hot or cold, it will immediately restart with turning the key. While the engine is turning there is spark, and it generally starts after just 1-2 turns of the engine.
Now the big problem. If I park the car hot and walk away for >10 minutes, it's a real bear to start. There is no spark when the engine is turning, and only a single spark when I release the key. With a hot engine, I get about 1-2 tries before it's hopelessly flooded and I end up stranded at Walmart.
I've replaced the coil, cap and rotor, all the plugs, all the wires, voltage regulator, electronic ignition, ballast resistor, and starter relay. The coil is getting voltage (12V) while cranking, even when there is no evidence of spark coming from the distributor. Putting the spark detector between the coil and the distributor results in the same lack of spark outlined above, so I don't think it's the distributor itself. For some reason, the coil is getting voltage but there is no spark (it's the third coil BTW). I also replaced the little capacitor attached to the spark coil. The starter motor is brand new as well, although replaced for other reasons.

HELP!!!!

 

Sounds like it needs a new ballast resister.....
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...llast+resistor

 

You need a new pick up inside the distributor

 

Thought the same, but I've replaced the ballast twice without any benefit :-(

 

Then I would go with the pick up as well....

 

Racerhog and TVLynn:
Thanks for fixing my car! Finally had time to replace the distributor pickup and now the car starts and runs perfectly. These threads often seem to just dead-end, and I wanted to make sure I published a final entry to let you both know that you were right. Thanks again!

 

Thanks for coming back and giving credit to those that helped you out, refreshing!