Need help. 77 Power Wagon won't fire up

[ACUDANUT]

I checked the ecu, and tried a new 4 pin ecu, when it calls for a 5 pin. Still no spark from the coil wire. Could that be a issue ? 

[b5blue]

I'd check the column ignition connector first, probe for 12V in and out feed/crank ign./run ign. then bulkhead connections next.  (Love me some 77 Power Wagon!  )

[WINGMAN]

  The 5 pin ECUs are OEM, the new ones are 4 pin. try the resistor .

[b5blue]

Keep in mind the resistor is used in "run" position but bypassed for "start". (When cranking over.)

[ACUDANUT]

What is the resistor ? Is that the same thing as a voltage reg.?  I will look at again in the next day or two.

[b5blue]

The white ceramic rectangle with wires on each end. 

[birdsandbees]

How long you been around dodges AC? If you parked it running and then it won't start it's the ballast resistor and nothing else. Learned that when I was 8 years old and Dad had to abandon the non starting '69 at a ski hill and we had to take a bus home.  

[ACUDANUT]

How long you been around dodges AC? If you parked it running and then it won't start it's the ballast resistor and nothing else. Learned that when I was 8 years old and Dad had to abandon the non starting '69 at a ski hill and we had to take a bus home.  

I am out of practice and I think, I have old timers disease. 
Hell I can't even figure out why none of my gauges never worked.  Right now I just want it to run. 

[birdsandbees]

Well I'm sure you'll get it going again before I ever hear my '77 running again! 

[flyinlow]

Good chance it is this part. They are cheap and having a spare is not a bad idea.

[ACUDANUT]

But I thought that part only worked in the run position. 

[ACUDANUT]

BWT, are they supposed to get hot ?

[b5blue]

Yes and yes, The car would fire up cranking a cut at run and resistors convert volts to heat basically. Is 77 lean burn system?  (Cuz that's a mess.)

[flyinlow]

If one side of the dual ballast resistor burns thru , the engine starts then quits when you release the switch to run.

If the other side burns thru the ignition is dead.

Could be a bad or miss adjusted pick up or wiring ,but these are less common.

[ACUDANUT]

Ok, Thanks guys.  I will keep you posted.

[ACUDANUT]

Yes and yes, The car would fire up cranking a cut at run and resistors convert volts to heat basically. Is 77 lean burn system?  (Cuz that's a mess.)

No lean system.

[Daytona R/T SE]

Well I'm sure you'll get it going again before I ever hear my '77 running again!  

Wait a minute...

Is that a Chopped top Ram Charger?  

I think we need to see some more of this.

How about starting a thread on it with lots of pictures.  

[birdsandbees]

Sorry, that's about as far as the big bottle of Barcardi took it way back in 1991 ! I've never minded doing metal work and started chopping cars and trucks way back when I was 15 (that would have been '77 of all things!), but I've always hated bondo, sanding, etc and one of my buddies would always do that "easy" part! lol This one didn't get any further and currently sits here just like that. 6" chop, roof sectioned into 6 pieces to put them back on the posts etc.

ACnut, you got that truck running yet or what??   

[ACUDANUT]

Not yet. I have zero time . I live on a farm and still work 50-60 a week.

[oldgold69]

check your reluctor its the eight pointed part that spins  in the distributor  mine was egg shaped and it would scrape on one lobe and be about 50 thousands on another

[Back N Black]

Run a jumper wire from the battery positive to the coil and see if she fires up. If it does you know that the dist and pick up is working and the problem is before the coil. You could also run a jumper wire across the ballast resistor and see if it runs. 

[ACUDANUT]

 Right now the battery is dead, it's raining again and I am having a hell of a time trying to add P/S to this heavy green machine.  I can't find the correct P/S pump mounting bracket for a NON A/C 4X4 TRUCK. Man these must be rare.   I still have not tried the above advise. 

[birdsandbees]

Big block or small block?? My Ramcharger is a big block w/AC, but I also have a '78 x 360 small block in the back field w/ PS. I can't remember if it had air, but can sure look. I have a feeling it might though, as it was so optioned it even came factory with a CB ! 

[ACUDANUT]

 Sorry 318.

[birdsandbees]

I'll try to find time for a hike to the back 20 and see if I can pop the hood on the '78. I know it has PSteering, but if it has A/C then the bracket is different? than you need?

[birdsandbees]

Sorry, has A/C and the PS brackets both bolt onto the A/C pump.

[ACUDANUT]

Thanks for looking.

[birdsandbees]

Forgot I had another '78 small block down in the bush, is this what you're looking for??? If so what's it worth to you for me to get dirty and bug bitten to remove the brackets for you and box them up?  Got eaten enough just getting the hood open.. 

[ACUDANUT]

That's it.   IF IT BELONGS ON A 4X4.
How about 50.00 Shipped.

[birdsandbees]

Yes see PM.. 1978 Dodge Ramcharger 4 x 4 w / 360 small block in it.

You just need the brackets correct... and does that look like the pump you already have??

[ACUDANUT]

PM sent.