I have an 86 Ram with electronic ignition. Is the voltage at the coil with the key in the on position suppose to be 12v? Someone told me it should be between 6v & 9v and then when you turn the key forward to crank the starter it should jump to 12v. Is this right? The voltage is checking a little over 6v right now but starts ok.

 

It's OK. What's the problem?

 

I did what you suggested before and put a phenolic spacer on because my truck is hard to start when its hot. That didn't seem to solve the problem. I was doing some reading in my service manual and trying to trouble shoot when I noticed the low voltage at the coil. I think there might be a short in the wiring because when I remove the wire from the negative side of the coil, the voltage goes back up to within 1v of the battery. I have changed the ballast resistor, ECU, coil and starter relay. So are you saying its ok for the voltage at the coil to be 6v? Wouldnt that make it harder to start when it's hot?

 

That's odd. The spacer should have been the ticket. If you changed all that stuff the ignition should be fine as well. Where is the fuel lione run going to the carb?

 

It starts at the fuel pump, goes along the inner wheel well up to the fire wall and then down to the carb.

 

Did you get a plastic type plate for the carb, or a real phenolic plate? I've never had good luck with the plastic ones.

 

It's plastic, from Mr. Gasket. It said phenolic spacer on the package. Does it make that much difference? Before I start looking for the short in the wiring harness, are you saying the lower voltage at the coil shouldnt be a problem.

 

I don't think it is. If it shoots a spark, them it should be OK. Have you tried grounding a plug wire to see if it shoots a spark?

 

It shoots a spark, it starts the engine this way. I just didnt think it was suppose to be this way.

 

Sounds OK to me.