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Old Oct 2, 2021 | 09:39 PM
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Default ‘68 wont shut off with key

I just installed a 383 Stroker motor with an MSD ignition and the car starts just fine but when I turn the key off nothing happens. I checked voltage at the coil with the key off but doesnt seem like I get any. I also checked the keyed hot wires and the seem to be always hot not just keyed hot.

Im not sure where else to look. I disconnected the battery while the car was running and that didnt shut it off ao I put it in fourth and stalled it. Any ideas cause I dont want to keep doing that.
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Old Oct 3, 2021 | 04:24 AM
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Bad diode in Alternator. try unhooking Alternator temporarily, start engine and see if it shuts down with Alternator disconnected.
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Old Oct 3, 2021 | 06:40 AM
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Electric radiator fan wired directly to IGN?
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Old Oct 3, 2021 | 09:10 AM
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Was the engine broken in by the builder, or is that your problem too? Do you need to time it, and is there any chance that your timing is WAY off, and this is run-on/dieseling?

Most likely, this is a simple wiring issue of the MSD box.

You can also stop the engine by smothering the carb. Just don't let stuff get sucked in.

Post some pictures!
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Old Oct 3, 2021 | 10:01 AM
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The was put on a run stand and completely broken in, timing is set and it starts and runs perfect but it wont shut off.

Actually, last night it shut off one time with the key and that was it. Could the ignition be bad? Do they fail?

I dont think its the alternator because it is brand new.

I did a complete build thread from pulling the engine to it finally running here:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...h-5-speed.html
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Old Oct 3, 2021 | 01:06 PM
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Which MSD ignition and did you wire it correctly?
Are you using the stock starter motor or something else and the starter solenoid is incorrectly wired?

Last edited by MelWff; Oct 3, 2021 at 01:08 PM.
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Old Oct 3, 2021 | 01:08 PM
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So I have done nothing to modify the electrical from my last post but now suddenly the car is turning off which the ignition switch. It like a ghost in the system.
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Old Oct 3, 2021 | 07:17 PM
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What is your power source to your MSD. I would guess that you have it powered striaght from some source that is always on and not keyed to an ignition source. A regular 68 coil has 2 power sources, yellow and white, 1 that is on with the key in the on positions and the other comes from the starter solenoid and provide power during cranking position
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Old Oct 3, 2021 | 08:15 PM
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Yes, I have the MSD wired to the hot on the starter. The no shut off seems intermittent. Sometimes it works but then the engine stumbles.
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Old Oct 3, 2021 | 08:56 PM
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I didn't see it when I skimmed your build thread.

Are you 100% sure it is not dieseling? That would seem like a stumble. Have you checked the temperature of the upper radiator hose with an IR thermometer? Is your vacuum advance connected to manifold vacuum?

Last edited by Bikespace; Oct 3, 2021 at 08:58 PM.
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Old Oct 5, 2021 | 12:44 PM
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So because the engine turns off at the switch from time to time, I tend to think my trouble is with my ignition switch. Im going to pull it and check it out.

Is there anyone who rebuilds ignition switches? My key currently works my ignition and my doors so I like them all keyed the same. If I swap the ignition switch then my keys wont match.
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Old Oct 5, 2021 | 01:05 PM
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If you do need a new one you should be able to swap out the cores or have the doors re-keyed to match the new ignition switch
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Old Oct 7, 2021 | 01:33 PM
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So now the last few times I have turned the key off it has been working. Im not sure what happened but its as if it fixed itself. Do the ignition switches work better the more they are used?
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Old Oct 7, 2021 | 02:10 PM
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*** NEVERMIND*** I see in your other post that you have a mini starter. I'll leave the info below in case it is helpful to someone else.

Just FYI. I had that same intermittent problem and also an intermittent battery drain. It took me a while to find. Turned out to be the stock starter solenoid had and internal intermittent fault--- I found it by wiggling the wiring to the starter while monitoring for amperage draw across the negative to negative lead. May be a long shot, but if you have a stock starter it may be worth a check.

Last edited by carriljc; Oct 7, 2021 at 02:12 PM.
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