318 ignition control box

Heefus · Post by **Heefus** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 1:13 pm

Just a quickie here.

The epoxy has melted out of the starboard ignition control module. It was like that when I bought it, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I want to get a spare unit to carry with me, these are the original units, but I am kind of at a loss.

Are these "marine" units, or is this an instance where an automotive part will safely fill the requirement? From what I can see, it is just an aluminum shell with epoxy covering the circuitry (well, it used to anyway).

On a side note, I have to replace the alternator regulator as well. 17VDC coming into the system does not make me happy.

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 1:47 pm

You should be okay with a standard unit from a parts store. Being a sealed and solid state, there should be no issue.

g36 · Post by **g36** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 6:20 pm

yes you can replace it. i replaced mine with module i bought at pep boys

Heefus · Post by **Heefus** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 9:17 pm

I went to NAPA and had them pull one for a 76 Cordova, but it had 4 pins instead of 5.

Is there a specific year I should look for to get the 5 pin model?

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 9:37 pm

Try 1975 Dodge W-100 with 318. The difference is pin number 3 is missing in the 4 pin set up. The 5 pin unit is used with the dual (4 pin) ballast resistor.

g36 · Post by **g36** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 10:19 pm

here is a lnk that might help explain
http://www.allpar.com/fix/electronic-ignition.html

here is a link with a pic to the one bought from pep boys
http://c2c.activant.com/ctoc/index.jsp? ... oFdSEIUz0A

Heefus · Post by **Heefus** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 10:20 am

It is not implicitly stated, in the above mentioned links, so I will ask like an idiot

If I purchase a 4 pin, will I have to make any additional changes, or would I simply plug and play? It appears as though it should be a plug-n-play, as pin 3's function is taken over internally by the 4 pin ICM. I am going to look specifically for a 5 pin, just to keep things original, and get a new ballast resistor or two for spares on board.

g36 · Post by **g36** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 10:43 am

yes its plug and play i didnt do anything to any connector
i dont know if you will find a 5 pin but either will work with no modification

Heefus · Post by **Heefus** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 10:48 am

sweet. Thanks buddy.

Heefus · Post by **Heefus** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 6:01 pm

Vato Zone hadthr 5 pin for the 75 truck. I also picked up a spare 4 pin ballast.

Thanks for the info!