no spark from coil

[hmbldr]

Does anyone know how the coil picks up its signal. I have a 74 2.0 that has a good coil but no spark. I have set the condesor to .016" and cleaned up it contact. Do I need to replace? Is there something I am missing?
ANY help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Shane

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The coil gets +12V from the black wire going to its (+) terminal. It should get +12V all the time the ignition switch is on. The coil charges up when the points are open, and discharges when the points are closed. (I could have that part backwards...) The initial part of the discharge is enough to make a really nice spark at the spark plug. The points, by way of the condensor, hook to the (-) terminal of the coil. The points alternately short that green wire to ground, and then disconnect it.

You can try unplugging the green points wire and the black/purple tach signal wire from the (-) terminal, and then hooking a wire up there. Touch the other end of that wire to a ground and take it away again. On one of those transitions, the coil should generate a spark. (Hook up a plug wire and plug to the center coil terminal and tape the plug with its threads on a ground like the fan shroud.)

How's the ground braid that connects the points plate to the distributor body? This is a possible failure point that can have bad effects on your ignition.

--DD

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Pelican Parts 914 Tech Support

A few pics of my car: http://www.pelicanparts.com/gallery/Dave_Darling

[jabb]

Is the Distributor spinning when you crank the motor ??

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• Joe A.
• 84 911 Targa
• 75 914/6 3.0

[Joe Ricard]

Even more to the point (sorry) is the phenolic follower that rides on the cam staying in contact all the way around. Never urts to check them points adjustment one more time get that follower smack dab in the middle of two high spots. I guess .016 is the right gap. Make sure you don't have any pitting or peaks on the points contact surface. Sure am glad P.O. put in Petronic.