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No spark from coil

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Old 10-18-2014, 11:44 PM
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Scott1966
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Default No spark from coil

Trying to start a '66 327 all stock barn find. No spark from coil to distributor. Have 4.7 volts on + side with key on and 9 volts during cranking. New coil and condenser but no help. Could it be the solenoid not boosting voltage or something with the points that look fine? Also, the points also have a built in condenser?!? Thanks all
Old 10-19-2014, 01:35 AM
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Gary's '66
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Just a guess but have you checked the ballast resistor?

Last edited by Gary's '66; 10-19-2014 at 01:47 AM.
Old 10-19-2014, 08:02 AM
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DansYellow66
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Originally Posted by Scott1966
Trying to start a '66 327 all stock barn find. No spark from coil to distributor. Have 4.7 volts on + side with key on and 9 volts during cranking. New coil and condenser but no help. Could it be the solenoid not boosting voltage or something with the points that look fine? Also, the points also have a built in condenser?!? Thanks all
Could be - both voltage readings sound kind of low - the cranking voltage should be at least 9.5 volts so 9 volts is a little marginal but not way out of line. Is your battery in good shape - might check voltage reading on it while cranking. I would be most concerned about the key on reading of 4.7 volts - that could be related to the ignition switch or maybe a problem at the bulkhead connection as I don't think it feeds through the starter.

I usually think of ballast resistors as either good or bad - not much in between. I would check voltage coming into it from the ignition switch (not starter) lead and see what you have.

Last edited by DansYellow66; 10-19-2014 at 08:06 AM.
Old 10-19-2014, 08:49 AM
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MikeM
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If you have that kind of voltage at the coil, you should have spark on the big coil wire if:

Your points open/close

Your points are clean

Your condenser is good.

Put a test light on the distributor side of the coil and crank the engine. If your test light flashes, your points are opening/closing and making contact and you should see a spark at the coil if the condenser is good.
Old 10-19-2014, 10:45 AM
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Scott1966
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Originally Posted by DansYellow66
Could be - both voltage readings sound kind of low - the cranking voltage should be at least 9.5 volts so 9 volts is a little marginal but not way out of line. Is your battery in good shape - might check voltage reading on it while cranking. I would be most concerned about the key on reading of 4.7 volts - that could be related to the ignition switch or maybe a problem at the bulkhead connection as I don't think it feeds through the starter.

I usually think of ballast resistors as either good or bad - not much in between. I would check voltage coming into it from the ignition switch (not starter) lead and see what you have.
Did a visual on ballast but will check voltage
Old 10-19-2014, 10:48 AM
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Scott1966
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Originally Posted by MikeM
If you have that kind of voltage at the coil, you should have spark on the big coil wire if:

Your points open/close

Your points are clean

Your condenser is good.

Put a test light on the distributor side of the coil and crank the engine. If your test light flashes, your points are opening/closing and making contact and you should see a spark at the coil if the condenser is good.
I'll try that. Why is there a points condenser in the distributor AND one next to coil on + side. ???
Old 10-19-2014, 11:19 AM
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Boyan
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Originally Posted by Scott1966
I'll try that. Why is there a points condenser in the distributor AND one next to coil on + side. ???
The outside one is probably for your radio.
Old 10-19-2014, 11:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Boyan
The outside one is probably for your radio.
Yes the one beside the coil is for the radio
Old 10-19-2014, 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Scott1966
Did a visual on ballast but will check voltage
You've already checked/verified the ballast when you got the reading at the coil with the key "on".

In the start position, the ballast isn't part of the start circuit equation anyway.
Old 10-19-2014, 11:49 AM
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Scott1966
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Originally Posted by MikeM
You've already checked/verified the ballast when you got the reading at the coil with the key "on".

In the start position, the ballast isn't part of the start circuit equation anyway.
Makes sense, thanks
Old 10-19-2014, 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Scott1966
I'll try that. Why is there a points condenser in the distributor AND one next to coil on + side. ???
The capacitor on the coil bracket is for radio noise suppression, and was installed when the car was built. The condenser inside the distributor serves an entirely different purpose as part of the ignition system and is unrelated to the one on the coil bracket. You might want to read the article below so you better understand how the ignition system works and how to diagnose it.

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...tionBasics.pdf
Old 10-19-2014, 08:41 PM
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Scott1966
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Originally Posted by JohnZ
The capacitor on the coil bracket is for radio noise suppression, and was installed when the car was built. The condenser inside the distributor serves an entirely different purpose as part of the ignition system and is unrelated to the one on the coil bracket. You might want to read the article below so you better understand how the ignition system works and how to diagnose it.

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...tionBasics.pdf
Very helpful, I'll try things Monday. THANKS EVERYONE
Old 10-19-2014, 09:05 PM
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Charge up the battery and run a jumper wire directly from the battery positive terminal to the coil positive terminal. This will bypass miles of old wiring and crusty terminals.
Old 10-19-2014, 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by buns
Charge up the battery and run a jumper wire directly from the battery positive terminal to the coil positive terminal. This will bypass miles of old wiring and crusty terminals.
Thanks

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