OK so i got a bunch of helpfull asvice from y'all here on the HAMB. Heres what ive done so far: New coil NewPlugs New plug wires Filed points and gapped them at 20 Still not getting spark. Could it be my consdenser? what else could it be?
not getting spark where? at the points? at the plugs? from the coil wire? clean and check the wires inside the distributor... along with the wire that goes to the coil.... got a digital multimeter? get one and check voltage at the key, coil... anywhere else connected with starting the car.
I agree get the meter, lets start by seeing if points are ruined by filing. Quick condenser check, short wire to case, ring case to wire should read open, then slowly decrease to short. Change in resistance depends on many factors, just know the condenser should be neither short nor open constantly.
Check for power on both sides of the ballast. Power at the coil and out of the coil and power at the points. If the points are gapped correctly with (them closed) then you should have spark there. If not change the condensor and see if the points are sparking. I have never used a meter and this has always worked for me. the meter sounds like a more technical way of doing it though
Ignition off, 0-volts to the ballast resistor. Ignition on, 12 volts to the ballast resistor. Put the other lead on the engine block or distributor. What kind of meter do you have?
I'm going to bust yer chops a little here. You know you've come on here what 3 times now with this problem and you aren't really telling us what you've done to diagnose the problem other than throwing parts at it. A lot of good advice was given, how much of it did you follow? Did you ever confirm you spark from the coil or power to the coil with the key on/start? How did you confirm this? Tell us everything so people can tell you the next logical approach.
If you are replacing parts I can't believe you haven't already replaced the condenser. It is the least expensive part in that bunch and most likely the culprit. Even if it is new it could still be bad.
Ditto, or make friends with a local auto repair. For about half what you spent so far, you could have had it fixed, and a shitload of grilled cheese sandwiches!
it should work without a condenser still though???? i havent put a condenser on any of my cars.......
true, sorry frank. Ive tested for spark. Someone told me to hold a plug to the block and turn the ignition..no spark. i Got a spark tester form the auto store that you run up the spark wires, no spark.
1. How many volts does the battery have? 2. Disconnect and reconnect all battery cables to clean them. 3. How many volts is on the ignition switch side of the ballast? 4. How many volts is on the coil side of the ballast? 5. Move your coil so it isn't grounded. 6. When you take the distributor out, and twirl the center section, does the points open and close? 7. Note the slop in the distributor (lots of slop, replace it). 8. Replace the wire from the distributor to the coil (new #18 wire, not telephone wire). 9. Make sure the coil + is to the ballast, and - is to the distributor. Report back with the result.
i bet its yer points still... you need to trace the problem. 1) 12 volts at coil with ignition on 2) 12 volts out of coil 3) 12 volts at dizzy 4) check to see if points have continuity*spelling* turn to ohms and check for resistance/connection; with points open and closed. 5) check dizzy wire out of coil 6) check plug wires, if you dont get anything at plug wires if you got spark at the coil wire that means yer dizzy cap and rotor are bad. also.. i just thought of something... you said you "gapped the points at 20" you did gap them when the dizzy cam lobe was at its HIGHEST point.... othewise it will just stay open all the time.....
What do you mean by turn the ignition? Are you turning the engine over or just turning on the switch (key). I'm betting the spot where the condensor wire ties in is grounded because the insulators weren't properly installed.
whatever this car is, couldnt you have replaced it with electronic by now? I know back in the day when something new and neat that worked came out, it was embraced by the hot rodders, like electronic ignitions??? just a thought .........
Turning the engine over. Keep in mind im only 15, and i know yall are prob fed up with me, but hey, im learning.
hes not going to learn anything by putting an electronic ignition in. i want him to LEARN god damnit!=) hes gotta know what an electronic ignition is DOING(but with electricity) but yeah, this is why i dont like my generation, everything is just "the easy way", no one ever wants to actually figure things out they just want to plug things in.
huh..? i didnt say i wanted the easy way, but i dont have anyone to tell me how to do this stuff so i can learn.
OK I will walk you through the process if you want me to. 1. Do you have a continuity tester? 2. Do you have a volt meter?
i've had a couple people tell me that if you change your points do the condensor as well cause the old condensor is worn like the points and could cause problems with the new points.
im not sure if it is a mulitmeter, but im pretty sure it has ohms. if not,i know where i can borrow one.
can you see myspace? i hosted that picture on photobucket but i will host it on myspace if you can see pictures from there.
im in school right now, but ill be at it this afternoon. Im writing everything down right now so i know what to do/try when i get home though
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