Orange box doesn't provide spark while cranking?

Posted By: 68Bullet

Orange box doesn't provide spark while cranking? - 08/14/12 08:15 PM

Hey everyone. I'm running a 383 with a typical electronic ignition setup. It's a factory single pickup distributor and an MP orange box. I am using a factory ballast resistor. No problems for years.

Recently though, the car started having some difficulties starting up. It would crank with no results, but sometimes when I let go of the key the engine would start up. I suspected it wasn't getting power while cranking, so I had a friend hold a multimeter on the coil. I am getting about 8 volts key on, and 12 volts while cranking. However, I am still having intermittent startup issues (doesn't do it every time, but acts up more so when hot). Is it possible the orange box can be getting power but not triggering the spark? Does a warm engine bay effect the box?

Posted By: stumpy

Re: Orange box doesn't provide spark while cranking? - 08/14/12 08:18 PM

Orange boxes are know to be junk. You'll be better off going back to a stock box. They actually work better.

Posted By: 383man

Re: Orange box doesn't provide spark while cranking? - 08/14/12 09:24 PM

If you have an older orange they work fine. I bought mine in 2002 and it is still working fine on my 63. It works good enough to run 10's without missing a beat.
But the box is not your problem. The ign switch bypasses the ballast while cranking and supplies the coil and orange ECU voltage while cranking. If I would suspect anything I would think the ign switch may be your problem. Did you check the voltage at the coil and ECU when it would not start or was it starting ok when you checked it ? Ron

Posted By: pushbutton

Re: Orange box doesn't provide spark while cranking? - 08/14/12 09:27 PM

Make sure the box has a good ground. Tighten or twist the bolts back and forth. I've had that type of problem and it was a ground issue. Also check the ballast resitor.

Posted By: furious70

Re: Orange box doesn't provide spark while cranking? - 08/14/12 10:03 PM

Quote:

If you have an older orange they work fine. I bought mine in 2002 and it is still working fine on my 63. It works good enough to run 10's without missing a beat.
But the box is not your problem. The ign switch bypasses the ballast while cranking and supplies the coil and orange ECU voltage while cranking. If I would suspect anything I would think the ign switch may be your problem. Did you check the voltage at the coil and ECU when it would not start or was it starting ok when you checked it ? Ron

I'm with Ron, no fire when cranking but tries to catch when you let off the key is usually a telltale sign of the ign switch.

Posted By: mikemee1331

Re: Orange box doesn't provide spark while cranking? - 08/14/12 10:24 PM

Quote:

If you have an older orange they work fine. I bought mine in 2002 and it is still working fine on my 63. It works good enough to run 10's without missing a beat.
But the box is not your problem. The ign switch bypasses the ballast while cranking and supplies the coil and orange ECU voltage while cranking. If I would suspect anything I would think the ign switch may be your problem. Did you check the voltage at the coil and ECU when it would not start or was it starting ok when you checked it ? Ron

makes alot of sense

Posted By: 68Bullet

Re: Orange box doesn't provide spark while cranking? - 08/14/12 11:42 PM

I also suspected the ign switch. That is why I had my friend use a multimeter to check voltage at the coil positive terminal while cranking. He read a full 12 volts at the coil while cranking, but no spark. That is why I suspect the orange box. However, it is sounding like it could also be the coil too.....

Posted By: RAMM

Re: Orange box doesn't provide spark while cranking? - 08/15/12 02:36 PM

Probably pick-up coil. J.Rob

Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: Orange box doesn't provide spark while cranking? - 08/15/12 03:17 PM

My vote: pickup coil or ECU

Posted By: 451Mopar

Re: Orange box doesn't provide spark while cranking? - 08/15/12 03:24 PM

That is the typical symptom of bad grounding. Run a ground wire from the ignition box to the engine block,and check the battery cables for good connections.