Got a Shock (Updated)

[Bob]

While still trying to figure out the crackling in my carb, I was changing the distributor out because there was a little play in it. I reached over to make the sure the plug was tight in the electronic ingnition box and got shocked from the quarter size housing that covers something inside. I don't think this is normal. Duh..I think that is the problem with the ignition system. Anybody ever have this problem?
Bob

[Ghoste]

Nope.  I've had a couple of those boxes go bad though.  The most recent one seemed to be a gradual breakdown.  I had always thought those worked or didn't with no in between but I was wrong (again).
It's strange but in 25 years, I have had one ballast resistor fail but four of the electronic brains.

[Bob]

During the gradual breakdown, how did it effect the performance of the engine?

[Ghoste]

Got soft.   It began as an intermittent miss and then graduated to an intermittent miss with stumbling under load that was similar to fouled plugs almost.   Then it became a sometimes no-start condition.

[Bob]

Same thing. That is good news for me. I don't have to tear the motor down.

[Ghoste]

 

[Bob]

Well, it did not help. This is what I did so far. Replaced distributor, Ignition Box and Ballast. Unwrapped the wiring harness and inspected each wire. Checked the timing again. Check the spark plug wire locations. Grounded the ignition box with the engine ground wire.I'm still getting the shock.When I pull each wire out of the distributor cap while running, there is a constant spark that is yellow and not blue. The plugs all appear fouled. What next???
Seems when I have a problem it's a tricky one.

[firefighter3931]

Yellow/orange indicate a weak spark condition. The coil could be a problem, i would suggeast swapping it out for a new one. I've had excellent results with the MSD Blaster coils.

Ron

[Bob]

One thing I forgot to mention also was the spark, it seemed constant insted of intermediate.
I will try a new coil.
Thanks

[Bob]

Well, I changed the coil and did all my voltage and ohms checks by the book. Everything is right on the money. I guess the valves/cam is next. Anymore suggestions before I rip it apart? Also, any 3rd generation owners get a shock from the center cap on there ignition box?

[Bob]

Update from September,
The crackling was the cam. Saturday I removed the intake and valley pan and lifters. #2 driver side cylinder, exhaust lobe GONE. Now I can get the cam I want. I want a better hole shot so any suugestions?

Bob

[Chryco Psycho]

need more info to help select a cam , start with Hyd or Solid cam?

[Bob]

Cryco,
It's a 400 HP motor. Hydraulic lifters, automatic.

[Chryco Psycho]

Have you checked Engles selection of fast rate mopar hyd cams ? www.englecams.com
the K series cams work great

[Bob]

Thanks Chryco,
There prices seem very reasonable.
Bob

[Chryco Psycho]

you are welcome , I have used a lot of their cams & they seem to make good power & have good drivability / vacuum as well