8n distributor cap / no spark

noso8n · Jul 30, 2015

I'm not getting spark, and I ran a wire direct from the battery to the coil. I'm now getting the solenoid clicking as the motor attempts to start, but still not spark. I'm measuring 6V on the coiled wire on the bottom of the coil, and I think it was 3.x V on the flap type connection on the coil.

This distributor cap connection seems pretty worn, but I did lift the flap-type connection on the coil, so I'd hope it has some connection.
pics: http://i.imgur.com/On3pmHg.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/HBtYTxR.jpg

Does the cap look completely worn? If not, then it'd be the distributor or wires?

distributor pics: (in case they help)
http://i.imgur.com/V0q3jcN.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/NnWSNav.jpg

HCooke · Jul 30, 2015

"I'm now getting the solenoid clicking as the motor attempts to start,"

Classic sign of a weak battery. Charge it up before you do anything else. Then read Bruce's suggestion about 2 or 3 posts down.

noso8n · Jul 30, 2015

The battery is brand new, and fully charged. But, yes, i understand what you are saying about the weak battery doing that repeated clicking sound. I don't think that's the case here.

old · Jul 30, 2015

A brand new battery can be bad from the get go I have run into that more then once. Or poor connections some place will also cause that. As for spark 90% of the time when you have no spark it is the points that cause that since if the points are bad or dirty they do not conduct electricity so if that is so then you do not have spark

Bruce (VA) · Jul 30, 2015

" I'm now getting the solenoid clicking "

The solenoid is making a noise because of low voltage. That is likely caused by:

1. A weak battery (charge it & check it per tip # 49. Or get it load tested.)*

2. Dirty grounds/connections (remove the cables & clean the connections)

3. Bad cables or incorrect sized cables (replace them - see tip # 41)**

4. Bad ground between the starter & the block. (pull the starter away from the block & clean the mating area - see tip # 36)

If that doesn't work, then the problem is in the distributor. Pull it off & see my reply to "snitkerb" below for common cause of no spark.

* No matter what else you do, the battery must be fully charged. A float charger is helpful; not a trickle charger, but a float charger.

** You can't see corrosion under the insulation.
75 Tips

noso8n · Jul 31, 2015

Thanks very much for all the help. I'll try to tackle this more on the long weekend we have up in Canada. Sorry if that stabs like a knife for you Americans, but don't forget, we're a frozen wasteland half of the year

Johnny007 · Jul 31, 2015

Also, if you get into the distributor, make sure there is a connection between the points spring and the coil. I had to jury rig a piece of copper into that spot when I had no spark. JMOR has a photo of what I'm talking about. The copper strap connects the two areas and allows the electrons to flow...

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z232/JMOR_photo/Ign/frt_distr_shorts.jpg

Bruce (VA) · Jul 31, 2015

" make sure there is a connection between the points spring and the coil. "

Yea, that's item # 3 on my list of likely causes of no spark on a frontmount distributor.

3. The copper strip is broken or grounded to the plate. (look very carefully for cracks & breaks).
75 Tips

Johnny007 · Jul 31, 2015

Bruce, your tips are fantastic advice, I've perused that list more than a few times! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Bruce (VA) · Jul 31, 2015

You're welcome. Glad to help.
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8n distributor cap / no spark

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