Aug 30, 2022
4
4
3
Hey Guys! So I have a question.

My El co randomly wouldn't start the other day, I found that I Have no spark...

Well, after Ohming out my coil and finding out everything on the distributor was good, I found a power wire right next to the wire for TACH on my cap (HEI Ignition). I hooked up a test light too it and after turning the truck over a few times with the key the lamp never lit Up.

What provides power to this wire? Is it straight off the battery? Is there a fuse somewhere? A relay? I can't find any info about the wire in the diagrams I look up (but my fuse box is also layed out much differently than other apparently).
 

78Delta88

Royal Smart Person
Supporting Member
May 23, 2022
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Hey Guys! So I have a question.

My El co randomly wouldn't start the other day, I found that I Have no spark...

Well, after Ohming out my coil and finding out everything on the distributor was good, I found a power wire right next to the wire for TACH on my cap (HEI Ignition). I hooked up a test light too it and after turning the truck over a few times with the key the lamp never lit Up.

What provides power to this wire? Is it straight off the battery? Is there a fuse somewhere? A relay? I can't find any info about the wire in the diagrams I look up (but my fuse box is also layed out much differently than other apparently).
Need a pic of the connector you are talking about. Wire that energizes the distributor should be pink.
 

1320chevy

Apprentice
Jun 23, 2023
51
39
18
Need a pic of the connector you are talking about. Wire that energizes the distributor should be pink.
Power should come off the "run" side of the ignition key switch. You can check there and follow it through to the coil. I'd be looking especially at the bulkhead connection and also to see if they have run the wire through any safety switches such as the oil pressure sender.
You should be able to run a new wire if needed, right from the switch to the coil. Just make sure the old one isn't hot and ready to short against anything.
 

78Delta88

Royal Smart Person
Supporting Member
May 23, 2022
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This is an older post and never got response to my question, so no follow up after that.

From Ignition switch "Yellow" to P/N Safety Switch and Purple from Safety Switch to Starter facilitates cranking as long as in Park or Neutral.

Diagram doesn't show Ignition Switch, but does show wire from Switch to HEI connector as Pink. Wire needs to be active in Start and Run. Otherwise engine will never start, like wise once started..., it won't stay running.

Link to El Camino site :>>> https://www.elcaminocentral.com/threads/wiring-diagrams-59-60-64-88.27190/

Screenshot_20230707-235459.png
 

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