[Subhuman]

Hi all, 1969 chevelle BBC/4 speed. Non original column(factory gm column, just non original).

Recently it won't fire until I release the key to the run position. I did a search on this site and narrowed it down to the white(factory) wire from the ignition switch connected to the red wire on my digital ignition box( summit unit). Assuming that much is correct...what would be the easiest path from here? Can I use a DMM to narrow things down further or should I just resign myself to replacing the entire wire from the switch all the way to the ignition box? And if so, should I start by dropping the steering column and then take it from there?

Thanks!

Subhuman

 

[Subhuman]

It is just the cheap MSD knock-off...

http://store.summitracing.com/partd...g.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM-850600&N=700+400304+115&autoview=sku

Everything worked fine after installing it for a few months...so I'm pretty sure I got all of the connections correct.

Subhuman

 

[Subhuman]

The coil is connected to the ignition box only. Orange +, Black -.

I'm looking over that link now, thanks.

Subhuman

 

[Subhuman]

I just read the link. I have power(ignition spark) with the key in the *run* position...but not in the *start* position. So I'd need a new 12v source that was hot with the key in the *start* position.

Subhuman

 

[Subhuman]

I checked the voltage. 11.2v in "run"...and 7.2 in "start".

Now is it more likely the wire or the ignition switch itself at fault?

Would it be easier simply to install an all new column in the car instead of trying to trace this wire into the firewall, then into the car, into the column, and finally into the ignition switch? How about just doing away with the stock ignition switch and putting in a little panel with rocker switches for starting? (the car isn't close to original---tubbed, cage, ect)

And finally, are there any other easy to access 12v sources(12v with the key in "start") that I could consider?

Thanks again for the replies to date guys.

Subhuman

 

[Subhuman]

Still has an original GM style starter on it. Should I go from the "R terminal" on the starter to the + on the coil...or to the red wire on the summit ignition box? I guess I can try both?

Subhuman

 

[Subhuman]

Interestingly, the wire from the *R* terminal on my starter wasn't connected to anything. I'm not sure if it has *never* been not connected(car has been stored for most of the last 6-7 years)...or I just made a mistake when putting in the new ignition system. I'll put the new starter in tonight/friday and try it spliced into the ignition box. Thanks for all the help guys. I have 4 major project cars I'm splitting my time between right now(68 chevelle, 69 chevelle, 71 nova, 53 bel air)..and I'm sure I'll be back asking more questions before long!

Subhuman.

 

[Subhuman]

Quick update. Wired the *R* terminal to the red wire on the ignition box and tried it...nice back fire out the blowout on the 6-71. That reminded me that I forgot to wire the original wire(from the ignition switch) back in line too. I had spark on "start" but not "run"...I guess that caused the "big pop". Once I wired the original wire from the ignition switch AND the wire from the *R* terminal both to the red wire from the ignition box...all seems good now. Thanks to everyone for all the help!

Subhuman