Crank but no spark
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Abilene tx
Crank but no spark
1979 C3, motor was replaced just before I bought it, the starter was rigged to a remote switch. I pulled this out to try to go back to original key start. New ignition switch, new starter wiring harness, replaced dash harness and engine harness with good condition used parts. New distributor. Have tried 3 new coils, 2 new modules. New ground block to frame. No spark, so Im at a loss. For sure top dead center when replaced distributor. Strong battery. I am ready for any and all ideas. It ran great until I pulled the rigged switches. Was rigged with Ford remote coil. Have not checked Battery ground, yet. PLEASE HELP! This is my first Vette and I dont want to start hating working on it.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
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Depending on how it is wired, some key on voltage isnt there when cranking. Alot of people tapped the yellow line from the wipers on the earlier cars i believe.
have some one crank it while you check voltage. on the points distributor cars there was 2 lines to the coil, one for cranking voltage, one for running voltage
have some one crank it while you check voltage. on the points distributor cars there was 2 lines to the coil, one for cranking voltage, one for running voltage
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Abilene tx
Thanks everyone for the replies. I'll do my best to explain...
I have an accel performance distributor from O'reilly's Auto Parts. Their part number 59107, or UPC 30999591074; HEI Breakerless with Accel Supercoil part# 140005, UPC 30999007001.
I do have 12v at the distributor. During cranking it drops to just over 9 volts. If I run a wire direct from the battery, it still will not spark. I do have the ground in the distributor cap connected, as well.
I'm wide open to suggestions. New distributor? install MSD ignition?
I have an accel performance distributor from O'reilly's Auto Parts. Their part number 59107, or UPC 30999591074; HEI Breakerless with Accel Supercoil part# 140005, UPC 30999007001.
I do have 12v at the distributor. During cranking it drops to just over 9 volts. If I run a wire direct from the battery, it still will not spark. I do have the ground in the distributor cap connected, as well.
I'm wide open to suggestions. New distributor? install MSD ignition?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Apollo
so ... currently ... accel supercoil fitted inside top of cap of your 59107 (HEI) ?? right?
does it have 12v at dist cap's "Bat +" terminal ??
you DID have a separate Remote ignition coil ??
... or a separate Remote FORD starter SOLENOID? if yes, ... still in use or not?
Is the starter turning your motor over?
If Yes ... does dist cap Bat+ have 12v DURING when motor turns over?
so ... currently ... accel supercoil fitted inside top of cap of your 59107 (HEI) ?? right?
does it have 12v at dist cap's "Bat +" terminal ??
you DID have a separate Remote ignition coil ??
... or a separate Remote FORD starter SOLENOID? if yes, ... still in use or not?
Is the starter turning your motor over?
If Yes ... does dist cap Bat+ have 12v DURING when motor turns over?
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,740
Likes: 2,583
you followed these instructions when installing the coil?
https://static.summitracing.com/glob...acc-140003.pdf
https://static.summitracing.com/glob...acc-140003.pdf
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Abilene tx
"jackson"... you are correct. 59107
I did not check voltage at "Bat +" during cranking. Will have to do that next (tomorrow).
I pulled the remote solenoid to go back to the OEM set-up. I'm using the original starter coil. Do you think this could be FUBAR? I have not changed anything regarding starter since it turns strong.
Starter turns the motor just fine. I'll check "Bat +" tomorrow.
"MelWff"... yes. the link you shared is exactly how I have the distributor installed.
I don't know why it was set-up with the remote solenoid. It had a power toggle switch, an ignition toggle switch, and a push button start. For it to start, you also had to turn the key "on". It ran fine with all these switches, but when I pulled it and went back to the original wiring, it won't fire. If I could remember how it was, I'd go back to that, but I would much rather have it work like original, with a key.
I did not check voltage at "Bat +" during cranking. Will have to do that next (tomorrow).
I pulled the remote solenoid to go back to the OEM set-up. I'm using the original starter coil. Do you think this could be FUBAR? I have not changed anything regarding starter since it turns strong.
Starter turns the motor just fine. I'll check "Bat +" tomorrow.
"MelWff"... yes. the link you shared is exactly how I have the distributor installed.
I don't know why it was set-up with the remote solenoid. It had a power toggle switch, an ignition toggle switch, and a push button start. For it to start, you also had to turn the key "on". It ran fine with all these switches, but when I pulled it and went back to the original wiring, it won't fire. If I could remember how it was, I'd go back to that, but I would much rather have it work like original, with a key.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
It may be a temporary cluster ... it may take some digging to get to it ... but it is Not FUBAR
folks use Ford solenoid when they're having chevy starter trouble or they're channeling a race car.
let's hear about what you find tomorrow at B+ while cranking
folks use Ford solenoid when they're having chevy starter trouble or they're channeling a race car.
let's hear about what you find tomorrow at B+ while cranking
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Abilene tx
Still there
Ok. I have 9.3v at the "B+" during cranking. What is the suggested fix? Still no spark. Engine turns good. Battery is just over 12v.
Dont mind trying a few new parts, if thats what needs to happen.
My sanity is in ya'll's hands.
Dont mind trying a few new parts, if thats what needs to happen.
My sanity is in ya'll's hands.