ignition question

upwardr · 06:54 PM

got a basic question/problem. Power 12 volt to 1 side of coil 12 volt coming out to condensor on other side. no spark when coil wire tested. I replaced the coil, still no spark at the breaker points or the coil wire? possible to be condensor?
help please.
Thanks

911pcars · 07-13-2005, 11:24 AM

Verify this connection; from neg. (–) side of coil, circuit leads to moveable contact point as well as a grounded condenser.

To check primary circuit:
With point contacts closed, there should be NO source voltage at the coil. With points open, there should be source voltage. You can verify this by connecting a test light or multimeter at the neg. coil terminal and rotate the engine or distributor. If no change in voltage when points open/close, it could be a bad condenser.

If above is okay, check for spark:
With ignition ON and points closed, open the points manually (or rotate distributor or engine). This creates the spark at the coil. Test spark at secondary coil wire positioned ~ 1/2" from ground. No spark may indicate the coil is bad.

Hope this helps,
Sherwood

upwardr · 07-13-2005, 03:23 PM

Sherwood, thanks for the help. This has given me some problems trying to figure. I replaced the coil, did the test you suggested and on the - side of the coil no change in voltage (12 volts). I closed the points and manually opened them i got spark at the points and also at the coil wire, when I rotated the engine with the starter I got spark only once at the beginning of the cycle from the coil wire. then nothing. I ordered a new condenser today and will try that tomorrow. Does this sound like the condenser?

Thanks

911pcars · 07-13-2005, 06:10 PM

Did you set the point gap? Are the points actually opening and closing? Point contact surfaces clean? It could be the condenser. Fortunately, this is a low-buck replacement/diagnosis item. Let us know how it goes.

Sherwood

upwardr · 07-15-2005, 06:04 PM

Sherwood. I bought a new condensor but still no go. Seems stange so I thought about the points opening and closing. got spark when manually opened. upon close examination I found your question about are they opening. install eye glasses and check again, seems I tightened screw and closed points.Runs much better now.
Lesson for me, except the fact I need my eye glasses.

Thanks for your help, I wasted about 6 hrs on this one.

911pcars · 07-15-2005, 08:11 PM

Larry,
Glad it's running again. I'm also glad you stuck with it and diagnosed it rather than wholesale parts replacement. It's also a good thing you work cheap.

Have good rides,
Sherwood