Ok, so I knew I had a leaky wire (it appears to be the primary coil wire), because every time I change the timing (still messing with it, actually) I get a little shock.

Had a little insomnia tonight and checked the wires, and at least one and possibly more is leaking. But the weird bit is that I can actually SEE the HEI coil sparking. It's the full-GM truck setup with the heat sink.

This can't be good, right? Am I missing something?

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63 Plymouth Valiant V200 Convertible.
225, HEI, Super Six with 38/38 Weber, Electric Fans, Scarebird discs, FirmFeel front swaybar.

The coil insulation is shot. You need a new coil. Check your cap and rotor for wear and all your wires for resistance as that puts more stress on the coil.

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Joshua

Well, the thing was used in the first place, so I went for the change. Feels a little better. I'll do a seeing eye check when it gets dark.

Thanks!

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63 Plymouth Valiant V200 Convertible.
225, HEI, Super Six with 38/38 Weber, Electric Fans, Scarebird discs, FirmFeel front swaybar.

And we have a winner!

Thanks again. I thought the coil wire was bad, but it turned out that it was just the coil. It all looks nice and invisible now.

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63 Plymouth Valiant V200 Convertible.
225, HEI, Super Six with 38/38 Weber, Electric Fans, Scarebird discs, FirmFeel front swaybar.

Anytime I suspect a problem with ignition secondary, I do a "wet test". Fill a spray bottle with water & a teaspoon of salt. Spray it on plug wires, distributor cap, & coil of a running engine- (if needed, put the trans in gear while applying the brake & give it some gas to load the engine).

If the engine now runs rough & misfires then you found a weak part- repair as needed & retest. If it runs ok then rinse off the saltwater & keep on driving!

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63 Valiant Wagon
225 - 4 bbl