WE are trying to get this ole' Dodge [440 4BBL] motorhome running, been sittin' a while. Anyway it would not start, would almost start, then when key was let go and it sprung back to "on", it would just die. Tried a new ballast resistor, no change. Then,,,,,,,,,, we switched the leads on the ballast resistor,, and it started and ran.
The previous owner had put in a resistor, he must have accidentlly swapped the leads,,,,,,,,,, we did not think the resistor was directional ?????? But now it starts,,,,, must be,,,,,,,, or something loose got wiggled back to normal,,,,,,, for a while anyway.


Going to try plugs/cap/rotor/plug wires and remove and soak Holley to clean out residue and varnish,,, see if we can smooth it out.

 

The Ballast resistor or (External coil resistor) is not directional. It is only a coil of wire. I would believe that the issue was a connector that was corroded and by plugging and unplugging it, you may have removed enough corrosion or tarnish for it to make the connection. Or, perhaps the actual wires that are crimped to the connector are frayed and not making a good connection. I would consider buying a couple connectors (that fit your resistor...very common) and crimping them on the wires. You do not want to be out in the "middle of nowhere" and have the connector fail completely.

Hope that helps.

 

If it's the original wiring, the ballast resistor should have 4 prongs sticking out of it. If so, there is only 1 way each of the plugs is designed to plug on it (look at any original mopar with one). The MP electronic ignition conversion kit eliminated the 4 prong BR for a 2 prong (which also eliminated a prong on the ECU).