I think I fried my ballast resistor

[Barfyspitz]

  I could us some help on my ignition system. I went to fire up my 68 which has a big block running the Orange box. It wouldn't start. It was running like a champ a couple of weeks ago.  I pulled the number one plug and there was no spark. I used a test light and saw I had power to the coil on the positive  post.  I wasn't sure if it was the orange box since the coil had power but I've read the Orange box is notorious for failing so I pulled an old blue box off the shelf and hooked it up to try that one.  I noticed it was sparking against the firewall as I screwed it in. Quick observation...., I notice the screws seemed to have lost their ability to be picked up by a magnet like they were demagnetized since they rolled right out of the magnet tray.(any thoughts)??  I had the key on the on position and I heard a hissing sound and smoke and sizzling began to come from the ballast resistor.  I imagine the ballast resistor is shot since it was too hot to touch.  I disconnected the battery quickly.    I am using a MSD to blaster II coil and the upgraded ballast resistor that comes in the kit.  I ordered a new ballast resistor and orange box. In the meantime I could sure use some knowledgeable insight from our members to any possible problems that I'm probably unaware of that could've caused this so I don't fry any new parts. I probably shouldn't have hurried  and left the key on the on position. Im worried what else I fried. The motor still turns Over so there's some hope lol. I'm a novice at best and wiuld really appreciate it If anyone can offer some advice or expertise. Thanks guys.

[nascarxx29]

Its a common issue take it step by step to troubleshoot.     http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,59614.0.html

[Barfyspitz]

 Well I change the ECU and the ballast resistor.  no change.  it seems worse now since I tested it with the old ECU I had on the shelf. That's the first time when the original ballast resistor began to sizzling pop. I wonder if  the old blue box fried a wire somewhere. I installed the new ECU and resistor and now I'm not seeing power to The right terminal of the ballast resistor with my test light.

[nascarxx29]

Key on ballast single wire  has power you can teslight other double wire will have it and dim when you crank it

[nascarxx29]

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,68283.0.html

[Barfyspitz]

Thanks man inappreciate it! However do the ballast resisters get so hot to touch? And you say  the wire on the left should have light a testlight in the run position and the brown/blue on the right should have it on inthe run position but flicker when cranking?

[nascarxx29]

Yes power both. sides of ballast