77 2.7 no spark "help"

[IMR-Merlin]

I can get the spark back up and running but after further talk with the owner, it was obvious his "mechaninc" was over his head. I showed him a video on how to set cam timing and asked if he thinks he was qualified.... he just shook his head and said, "definitely not".

So, I need to get my 930 off my lift and get some shop space back, then I am pulling his engine and getting on top of the mechanical issues first. I have also notice the idle switch on the throttle body has no wiring, the WUR has no wiring to it and it was hot wired to a fuse.. so i am suspecting that there are a few wires that were not connected.

Time will tell and I will post up here.

Thanks again for all the responses

Originally Posted by Bob Ashlock

Don't get discouraged ... the fun has just begun! Several contributors have given good advice above. Do the test explained by Walter to determine if the CDI is good (or not). If good, leave that temporary test setup in place and now just connect the wire from Pin-C (that you touched to ground during the test) to the distributor points. If you had spark during the momentary release from ground during the test, then each time the points open during rotor rotation, you should also see a spark from the coil. If this goes OK, then you are in business. You can then go back and troubleshoot all the crazy wiring stuff knowing the basic components (CDI, Coil, Points) are working. I see the coil in the picture is not correct for the CDI setup ... it appears to be a generic Kettering coil. That's fine for initial testing, but if you run the original CDI setup then you need to score a proper Bosch 'Transformer' to enjoy maximum spark energy. These are pricey and original black ones are hard to find, but you can also buy a good one from Kurt at Parts Klassik that works good. Do not buy the Bosch replacement that comes in a silver can (made in Brazil?) as they are notorious for failing spontaneously.