Need some help diagnosing a starting problem on my 1963 longbed. 350 SBC with RV cam, SM420 and an accel HEI distributor (coil has red and yellow wires). It normally starts and runs fine. Every once and while it will not start. Engine turns over strong, but no spark at the plugs. If I leave it sit for an hour or two or longer, it starts right up again.
The battery measures 12.68 volts. That's a bit low and I've noticed that the voltmeter drops to around 8.5 volts when cranking...is that enough to fire off the HEI? Is the battery the culprit or could the coil just randomly stop working and then start again? It has a new 140amp internally regulated alternator. Anything I should be checking there?
It has a full american autowire rewire that I just put in about 3 months ago. Not sure if the problem existed before that though because it was the first thing I did when I got the truck.
sorry for the lengthy set of questions...hoping that the collective wisdom will point me in the right direction
thanks,
Greg
