Ford 800 ignition problem

My 800 was running really rough backfiring, etc.

The rotor and distributor cap were visibly worn so I replaced the cap, rotor, points, and condenser. Properly set the gap, or so I assume(.025 with #1 at TDC). Also put new plugs in.

Now I have absolutely no spark. Very perplexing. Where do I start? What are the obvious before I start tearing thins apart?

Thanks so much for the help.
 
First, make a visual check. I have been known to leave something disconnected and not realize it. Do you have power to the coil? To the points? Do the points spark when you open them by hand? That's the easy stuff. Also check the insulator where the low voltage wire enters the distributer. I don't know if it would happen with a battery ignition, but I have timed a magneto 180 degrees out. It would fire on the top of the exhaust stroke instead of compression. The easy way to check that one is to switch the plug wires across the distributer cap. I have had an engine run for many years like that.
 
rugbycoachmike
Open up dist. open points install cardboard between points turn on ign do you have power at point moveable arm if yes recheck point gap.If no disconect wire coil to dist check power a coil neg terminal if yes you have something grounded in dist.
traper
 
First off check that you do not have the wire from the condenser to the points shorted out. Next with the points close turn the ignition on and one and close the points by hand carefully reason for careful is if you do it wrong you may find the spark the hard way. If no spark at the points you either have dirty points common for new ones or a new bad condenser also very common now days and I do not replace them. If still nothing try a hot wire from the ignition side of the battery to the coil and see if you have spark could be a bad switch
 
Watch ammeter while engine is cranking.Meter should flick between 0 and 4 amp discharge.If meter reads full discharge you have a short in the ignition.If meter doesnt move you have an open circuit.A model A Ford taught me this in the 50s.Parts changers often introduce problems.You have to learn how a simple ignition works before you can repair it.
 
Screwed around with this for the last two weeks pulling my hair out.

Today put the old points back in and it fired right up and is running like a top.

Go figure!!
 
(quoted from post at 22:32:28 03/30/13) Has anyone ever gotten a bad set of points???.
Yes. Especially if the points were cheap ones like Tisco or TSC.
Cheap ones might work for a while, but the rubbing block is plastic so it
wears out fast, and the alignment is often not correct for the contacts.
Blue Streak from Standard are my first choice. Not cheap, about $15.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top