Why would my 440 just die ?

Started up the GTX after it has been sitting since last Nov. Before I started I charged the battery, then poured some gas in the carb. the car started right up and smoothed out after about 1 mn. so I get out and am watching the motor run and after about 5 mn it just kills, like a ghost turned it off, its never done that before, I tried starting it and it fired right back up, I let it run for about 30 mn, then shut it off and started it a few times and it was fine.

Any idea why it would kill like that ? car is stock. tank was full and treated with Stable. could something be failing or ?

Sounds like it's electrical since it dies instantly like you turned off the key. If it was fuel, it should start running rough and die slower I would think.

When the car is running, the ignition gets power from the blue wire coming from the ignition switch. When it dies(before you touch anything) make sure you still have power on the blue wire. Test for power at the base of the steering column at that connector. Also check for power on that wire at the bulkhead connector and work your way into the engine compartment.

I'm not sure if a failing ballast resistor will cause the issue or not. It could be getting hot and not passing any current. Usually they just fail completely though. It could also be a problem with the coil. I'd start by confirming power on the blue "run" wire when it dies though.

EDIT: I just re-read your post and it sounds like it only died once. I thought it died multiple times. Since it only happened the one time, I'd start by cleaning all the contacts on the steering column connector and the bulkhead connector. If there is some condensation in the connectors it will cause them to get hot and possibly melt. When you take those connectors apart, make sure there are no signs of heat. Once they are clean, use some dielectric grease on them to keep out the moisture.

Thanks burdar, there was a bit of white smoke coming from the area below the last spark plug on the drivers side closest to the firewall, it took about 10 mn to stop, could this be related ?

Oh hell yes. My 70 Cuda died on me years ago from he bulkhead connector, melted connection is common. Some people even bypass the connection with a new wire through the firewall.

Disconnect it and inspect before you drive it again, you might be surprised at what you find.

run a jumper wire from the positive side of the battery to the positive side of the coil. if it starts it's probably the ballast resistor.

"magic smoke" appearing anywhere near electrical wiring MUST be investigated !
even when captured, it can not be returned to the wire[s] involved.
look close at both sides of the bulkhead for ANY signs of "meltyness".

Well guys I have to admit I am not very good with electrical stuff on these cars, if it stops smoking is it safe to drive it to my Mechanic to have him check/fix or should I have it towed ?

You don't have to be good at electrical to look for burnt wires.

Well 69x, if you were close by, maybe a member could stop by and take a look-see. But I see no location in your signature. I have been known to ride 100 miles to help someone for a free sandwich and a cold beer.

I have the tools and suppies to do most of these type repairs.

True

If you were closer I would take you up on that. Minnesota is a bit to far for you I think.

Any one here in Minnesota ? Beer and food for you, The car does not get out much and its fun to show it to people and talk Mopars.

The smoke was not anywhere near the bulkhead connector. the smoke came from way down below the steering column. but thanks for the input, I will get it figured out somehow.

So is this a '69 GTX (I assume from username) ?

Only electrical things I can think of in that area:
Starter & solenoid
AT neutral safety switch wires
On left frame rail, brake warning lamp wire
How those would cause shut-off, I don't know.
This is where a factory service manual comes in handy to look at the circuits.

Fairly common spot for the valve cover gasket to leak, and that can generate smoke.

Cleaning the bulkhead contacts is always a good idea if it hasn't been done before; it's just good maintenance.

Thanks Topside, yes its a 69 GTX

My first thought was the fuseable link? nobody else leaning that way?

The car still runs. It just died the one time. If the fueable link was fried, the car wouldn't run.

Many, many 1969 Mopars have had the same electrical problems, not good electrical parts to start with