Expert: Ben Deutschman - 5/2/2006

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I have been rebuilding a dodge 318 v8 engine for an old '66 dodge pick up, and I am now to the inginition.  I hooked up all electrical and I had spark and I got it to make a couple pops, but now I don't have spark anymore. I've looked over everything and can't seem to figure out why I don't have spark. do you have any idea why I don't have spark?
Answer -
My first thought, is to pull the Distributor Cap, and have someone crank over the engine. If the Rotor is turning, then at least you know the Distributor 'Drive Gear', and 'Timing Chain' are okay. I'd then try swapping out the Condensor, and try starting the engine again. If you still have a no start, then you would have to either check the Coil with an Ohm Meter to see if it's good, or simply swap it out for one you know is good.

I am assuming of course that you have established that you have Fuel coming up into the Carburetor at this point in time.

You could also check the main 'Coil Wire' with an Ohm Meter for continuity. If you get a zero reading, then the Wire is no good.




What exactly is the condensor?
Answer -
When you pull off the 'Distributor Cap, you'll see a small, cylindrical shaped piece, connected to the 'Points' by either a Wire, or Metal Strap. This cylindrical piece is called a 'Condenser', and if it is bad, it will prevent the vehicle from getting spark. Generally 'Condensers' aren't very expensive, ($2.00 to $3.00), and most decent 'Parts Stores', like a NAPA 'Parts Store', will have 'Condenser's in stock.

If you've ruled out the other items I've mentioned, then try replacing the 'Condenser.'

so it is that little black cylindrical thing that looks to be a little bigger than a tick-tack that is in the center of the underside of the distributor cap right? the thing that touches the rotor? or is it under the rotor? all I see when i lift off the cap is the rotor...

Answer
Unless your Dodge's engine has been retro-fitted with Electronic Ignition, then you will see a Silver colored, cylindrical piece, connected by either a wire, or metal strap, to the Points. If you don't have Points, then you won't have a Condensor, and then your no start problem could be the Control Module, usually mounted somewhere on the Fender of your Truck. Of course since you have a 1966 model Truck, and if it's been retro-fitted with Electronic Ignition, the location of the Module could be anywhere the Installer decided to mount it, and you'd have to trace the Harness from the Distributor, and locate the Module that way.