won't start no spark

[Humdaddy]

Hi guys, please help. I have a 74 targa with a 78 3.0 litre. The car doesn't appear to be getting spark. The voltage at the White wire leading to the coil reads 18 -19 volts when I turn on the ignition but falls to less than 3 without hitting the starter. Any suggestions is this a) a short and going to ground? Loss of ground? B). CDI ssue? C normal because I haven't put a load on it. Any suggestions on locating possible ground loss or other Avenues. The CDI seems to be making its Norman sound.

[Walter_Middie]

You cannot measure voltage at the coil if you are using a CDI box - output is like 450 volts. Search for "telegraph test" to see if the CDI box is working.

[Humdaddy]

Thank you Walter, the words telegraph test was the phrase I needed.

[T77911S]

never tested or checked what you did, but if you got 18v then it drops to 3, your capacitor in your CD may be good. that could be the cap discharging, but like i said, i have never checked it that way.


if you have a spare, i would try the coil first.

[pors1968]

put a ground wire distributor and engine case