rgouette

I replaced the points, condenser, coil, plugs,wires
I did this with the distro OUT of the car.
With engine at TDC, I replaced distro, so that the rotor pointed toward #1 plug wire.
Wouldn't start, just cranked.
I took out #1 plug & laid it on engine ground, and saw no spark whilst cranking...
I measured 12VDC on coil + terminal
I also tried replacing original coil, but no help there either.
I made doubly sure the coil wire is making contact.
Any guesses?
Would points do this?
even if things were really out as far as distro position/timing, shouldn't I still see spark?
Is there another test I can try before I put all the old components back in?

:/
Rich

MelWff

How did you determine you were at cylinder 1 TDC and not cylinder 6 TDC?
Do you have a dwell meter?
Why did you remove the distributor?
You have the wire from the distributor connected to the negative post of the coil?

rgouette

How did you determine you were at cylinder 1 TDC and not cylinder 6 TDC?
I used a TDC finding tool(inserted into #1 plug hole, rotate both ways.. mark the center

Do you have a dwell meter?
have rather old one, but it's not yet been used/tested(got off ebay)

Why did you remove the distributor?
I guess I figured I'd struggle to change the parts otherwise, but maybe that wasn't necessary: it's my 1st points/condenser swap

You have the wire from the distributor connected to the negative post of the coil? Yes, I do

thanks for helping!
Rich

Jebbysan

Is the point contact closing when the distributor is turning? It needs to close completely.

Jebby

rgouette

It sure looked like it... I guess I can check to be sure
Other than eyeballing, is there a better test, like slipping paper between or some cool trick?

pspicci

You said there was no spark at the #1 plug wire. did you check for spark from the coil wire? double check your points adjustment.

Pat

rgouette

I didn't..
I think my next step is to look at dwell(which I didn't set)
I'll also look into spark from the coil wire..
I just hold the end of it on my tongue, right?

;0

j/k

1Hotrodz

Try running a jumper wire from the base of the points (not where the coil wire connects but on the base of the points) to an engine ground and then check for spark at the coil wire, this is with the Dist. cap removed and engine cranking. And point gap needs to be ~0.020" on the high spot of the dist. lobe/cam. Let us know what you find.

rgouette

ok, I connected my original coil wire, and I can see spark jumping from the end, to engine block.

Question: I am seeing spark between the disto body & engine if I lift the disto up from it's
housing.... I believe with key on(not cranking)
Is there supposed to be voltage on the disto body(shaft/gear)??
I thought , "do I have wiring backwards somewhere??"
The black wire coming from the points is going to (-) on the coil. (negative)

MelWff

thats how the points ground
are you trying to start with distributor not bolted down?
hook up the dwell metter and set to 30

MelWff

Can you post a picture of the two wires connected to the points? Also a picture of the distributor from above with cap on.

Mr D.

Put everything back together and use the original coil wire and see if engine starts.

rgouette

ok, thanks... good to know
I've got the distro bolted, but able to be turned
Dwell meter: I'm suspecting maybe it's not working, because I haven't gotten the needle to move one bit yet

R

rgouette

I did try, but no start...which I thought was a little weird... cuz from memory, a motor essentially needs:
1) fuel/air
2) spark
3) compression

it IS getting fuel

R

MelWff

Did you correctly install the plug wires 18436572

MelWff

use a feeler gauge or matchbook cover

rgouette

yeah, I had them marked when I had them off, but it certainly wouldn;t hurt to have me doublecheck
thanks,
R

rgouette

Being my 1st time setting points, are they so finicky that I wouldn't be able to get even a sputter from the engine unless it's set 100% precisely?
Because I adjusted that dwell all over the place, and the engine never tried to start

:/

MelWff

Asked earlier for pictures of cap and points

rgouette

I suggest ending this thread, since spark is no longer an issue.
But, I'll re-verify TDC, & where the plug wires are going etc.. then I'll set the point gap, & go from there..
If I just can't get anywhere, maybe I'll look at creating a new topic..

Rich