Distributor only has power when engine turning over.

[Brad_IRL]

So I had a wire short out on me and now the power wire that goes to the distributor only has power when the key is all the way forward and the starter is engaged. I have searched the car over and I see no wires melted or frayed nor do I see any fuses blown.

Another thing that I seem is odd is that the wire will spark when touched to a positive terminal but not when touched to a grounded surface when the key is in the RUN position, but when it is in the START position it will spark in on any grounded surface like normal.

Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you all.

 

[ssn696]

Did you change the starter recently? Did you change any solenoids?

 

[Brad_IRL]

Have not changed anything. Had one positive wire ground out for a few seconds due to a crack in the coating so I fixed that and now I have this issue. All the other electronics in the car work fine.

 

[ssn696]

What wire arc'ed? You may need to check back tomorrow and see if others have any brighter ideas.

 

[Brad_IRL]

It was actually that same wire, but I've traced it back as far as I can and I don't see anything.

 

[rustyroger]

Sound like a resistor wire to the distributor has gone bad or the ignition switch is faulty. Try hot wiring direct to the distributor and see if the engine runs. If it does you have found the problem.
I'm sure someone here can tell you which wires to check.

Roger.

 

[DRIVEN]

I'd be suspicious of the ignition switch too. Rustyroger's suggestion to hotwire directly to the distributor would be a good check.

 

[truracer20]

Sounds like there is a break in the wire and the distributor is being back fed while cranking. Look at the pinkish redish wire(dist+) between distributor and ignition switch itself for an open condition. Disconnect the battery and check continuity if nothing is plainly visible. It should have continuity all the way with the key in run. Any other items not working? Heater blower maybe?

 

[truracer20]

Have you checked the fusible link in that wire near the starter? I doubt it's your issue but you never know. It will be a lighter gauge wire soldered in and usually wrapped in tape. As designed a short will usually burn up the fusible link but after all these years the fusible link may no longer be the weak link in the circuit.