RE:Distributor pickups dying in '75 Hornet

[Guynn <amx69@xxxxxxxxxx>]

In most cases in auto electrical parts that burn out quickly, it is a 
faulty ground. The faulty ground leads to excessive voltage spikes. The 
ground does not need to be directly associated with the component burned 
out. In some3 casses it is the cause, but not in every case. The bad 
ground could have also been the reason the first part failed. Install 
the new part and in many cases it also burns out quickly.

Electrical grounds go bad over time. Corrosion is the culpret. Many 
times the corrosion is in an area of the wireing that cannot be seen 
because it is covered by insulation. A volt.ohm meter is needed to check 
the continuity of the wire, along with checking the resistance. Too high 
resistance, bad ground. The ground could be at the attaching point, at 
the fitting crimp point, or anywhere at all along the wire.

Wet climate?? Even worse on corrosion, and this will lead to more faulty 
grounds.

The prestolite system has its detractors just as much as any other 
ignition system. Mopar has used it on millions of cars since the 70s, so 
I think it is just as good as any other electronic. If it was nothing 
but a crappy system, Mopar could not have afforded it for over 30 years. 
I sure don't see everyone in Moparland chunking their Mopar electronic 
ignitions. If they were nothing but junk, you certainly would see that.

Electrical ''gremlins'' cause all sorts of AMC related problems. Any 
electrician that is worth his salt will tell you faulty grounds are the 
cause of most every electrical problem that comes up. Faulty grounds 
also cause more fires in both D.C. and A.C. circuits than all other 
reasons combined. Go speak with a veteran Arson investigator if you 
don't believe me.

Regards,

Randy Guynn