case2273

dropped a fresh built 72 rocket 350 into a 71 cutlass vert. The problem I am having is when i first started this for the first time it almost started (so TDC/Dist set close) as I primed the carb with fuel (dribbling a little in the carb). It wasnt enough to get the fuel pump to get it to the carb (see-through fuel filter). Tried again and the same thing. Now I cannot get the thing to spark. I have a 10 gauge wire replacing the resistor wire as I am running HEI. Volt meter at the distributor key on 13v key to start 10 volt same thing at the ignition switch pink wire on the column. I even bypassed to run the distributor straight to the battery. still only 10 volts while cranking. I pulled one of the 1000 CA batteries out of the duramax and put a 140 amp booster on it and still only 10 volts. Brand new ground straps sanding all paint down. I know that the HEI needs 12 volts to run it but it isnt there. I have 10 gauge going all the way there from the switch to the distributor (New). Cannot find anything visibly wrong under the dash as I have pulled all tape off the wire loom. Engine seems to be cranking over good but cannot get it to spark. Is there something I am missing? What could be stealing these 2 necessary volts
I do not have the fenders on and no wiring hooked up for lights and horn including the grounds for those.

72 cutlass455

Have you grounded the engine block to the frame ?

case2273

Yes. New grounding strap and scraped paint from frame and motor and used star washers

case2273

I do not want to throw money at nothing such as coil, rotor, cap etc..
I have spent $$$ and 14 months on this car (resto mod progressing) all new front end, new trunk pans and floor pans, new interior, engine, trans, engine compartment, headers w/ dual exhaust. Paint and brakes will be next. But it is presentable now and I want this thing on the road.

dan2286

In the service manual I have, it says if it is getting power and still not working, test the module. Make sure the connections for the module look good. If the module is good, it says to replace the pick up coil.

Hope this helps.

case2273

It turned out to be the pickup coil inside the distributor. When tested it showed good but when the wires were moved around slightly I would get intermittant readings. Went for a replacement and has been consistantly starting. Thanx for the help Y'all.