Help! 1975 Imperial won't start

[Harold <hct@xxxxxxx>]

On Wednesday 07 August 2002 10:15 am, you wrote:
> Hi all!
>    I have a mystery I need help with!   I have a 75
> Imperial all stock 440 which was running perfect until
> one day when it will not start at all.  It is not
> getting any spark off the coil except when the key is
> turned off.   We replaced the balast resistor, the
> electronic ignition module and the coil.  All with no
> change.  no spark at all until the key is turned off
> when there is 1 spark.   Any ideas about a possible
> solution?
>
> Thanks!
> Jeff

Hi, Jeff,

If the rotor is turning (as was already suggested) and is pointed at no.1 
terminal when no.1 piston is at top dead center (indicating timing is 
alright),  then a few electrical checks could be made:

with the key in the start mode, there should be about 12 volts delivered to 
the ecu;

with the key in the run mode, there should be less than 12 volts, maybe 6 
volts delivered to the ecu;

resistance measured across the leads to the distributor pickup should 300 to 
900 ohms.

All of these electrical readings are variable, but they should be close to 
these.

I have had a few instances of the pickup unit failing because of broken wires 
just inside of the distributor housing (where they flex because of the action 
of the advance).

Good luck and if I can be of any more help, let me know,

Harold Turner