318 Ign wiring diagram

[DrClassic]

Hi all-new to this site-I have a 318 in my boat and just rebuilt the engine,stock mopar electronic dist,dual ballast resistor,solenoid-It starts but won't keep running unless I hold the key in the start position-where did I go wrong???

[John Kunkel]

Welcome to the board.

In a car this is usually the ballast resistor but if the boat doesn't have a Mopar style ignition switch it's something else. Is the solenoid the Ford type with "I" and "S" small terminals?

It would help to know how it's currently wired.

[DrClassic]

Hello John-Thanks for replying-the solenoid is the type you referred to with I and S on the small terminals-The Ign switch is 3 terminal S /Ign/Batt. All stock Mopar wiring,with the dual ballast resistor.

[440roadrunner]

We need to know how you wired this, as it obviously does not fit the "Mopar Mold."

But one caveat---what is going on here? I dearly hope you are not using automotive electrics in a boat with an enclosed engine compartment.

This is an explosion waiting to happen.

[JVMopar]

Boat engine compartments are ventilated. No worries there.

Here is what your looking for

[White440]

Originally Posted by DrClassic

Hi all-new to this site-I have a 318 in my boat and just rebuilt the engine,stock mopar electronic dist,dual ballast resistor,solenoid-It starts but won't keep running unless I hold the key in the start position-where did I go wrong???

Sounds like it getting power when the key is in the start position but has noting feeding the run position. Check to make sure you have power to the "RUN\ON" side. You should have a 12v feed on the run\on position.

Hope this helps.

[440roadrunner]

[QUOTE=JVMopar;823649]Boat engine compartments are ventilated. No worries there./QUOTE]

Unless this is a completely open hot rod with an exposed engine, THAT IS NOT TRUE

Marine engines MUST USE approved marine electrical components, as well as an arrestor on the carb inlet. I live on two medium sized lakes. In my lifetime, there has been at least three engine bay explosions on inboard installations. One of 'em disfigured a very nice young lady at the time.

DO NOT take this stuff lightly.

[John Kunkel]

The dual ballast is intended to work with the Mopar ignition switch which has to separate ignition circuits, IGN1 and IGN2...depending on how it's wired it might not work with a simple BAT/IGN/ST switch.

[Dick]

Marine electronic components such as starter, alternator/generator, distributor, must be sealed, spark proof units specifically built for marine use. There must also be a backfire flame arrestor on the carb.