I was plowing on Sunday and I went to start it on Monday and it wouldn't start. I suspect the ballast resistor but after looking under the hood I cant find it. Do all 1987 318 engines have one? Any help would be greatly appreciated,
thanks, Anthony S.
volaredon
12-27-2008, 11:40 PM
if it has the computer ("Lean burn") behind the battery there probably isnt one; there was not on my 87 or Dad's 86 vans with 318s and the computer setup; do you have the standard 5 pin (actually 4 pin box but 5 pin connector) on that truck? If so look on the firewall somewhere under the bulkhead for the ballast. thas where it is on my current 83 D 250.
buck99
12-28-2008, 10:48 AM
Cap & wires might be all wet after your plowing :)
That happens to my old Furd plow sometimes if I go fast and the snow is real fluffy.
charlie1935
12-28-2008, 02:45 PM
My 87 D100 don't have one either. :gr_patrio
tony5210
12-28-2008, 03:06 PM
Thanks men,
according to my Haynes manual I checked the ten way connector for resistance between #9+5 was ok but #9+3 was 0.some of my connector holes were not as shown on the illustration in my book. Can you refer me to some more info or to other relevant threads.
thanks again, AnthonyS
87Dodgeman
12-31-2008, 10:20 AM
As others have stated, if you have the ESA (computer spark control) then you won't have a ballast resistor.
Speed Dragon
01-01-2009, 08:55 AM
A ballast resistor wouldn't stop it from turning over, it will fire when you spin it but quit when you release the starter. Have you checked to see if you are getting spark?
tony5210
01-01-2009, 03:06 PM
I am getting 12 volts at the coil+ I am not getting spark coming out of the coil. I am going to check the coil- also make sure the spark control is grounded. Any trick to get it running for a while at least to get it inside to work on would be helpful.
thanks,Anthony S.
I forgot to mention that i did change the coil and have determined that there is no ballast resistor.
Speed Dragon
01-02-2009, 12:08 AM
Bad dizzy pickup maybe. If the coil is good and it's not sparking, then either the pickup or the spark control module is bad, I bet.
tony5210
01-02-2009, 03:40 PM
I checked the coil- 12v,ok. With spark checker at the coil I get a spark when I first hit the key then it stops while cranking and sparks after cranking. I checked the starter relay its ok. Any other ideas ? I am going to check the ign. switch tomorrow.
Speed Dragon
01-02-2009, 11:38 PM
Check the grounds maybe.
volaredon
01-04-2009, 09:41 AM
Pick up coil (AKA distributor pickup) or bad dist cap.
