73 1.7 Electrical Problems Options

[Strykerguts]

So, here's the deal.

I have a 1973 1.7L which is sadly not running. Engine turns but will not start. I believe I have narrowed the problem down to one area, the coil and wire leading to the distributor. I have vortage registering on both sides of the coil, Terminal 15 showing more than 9 volts and Terminal 15 showing volts appropriately when tested. However, This is apparently where the electricity stops. I can't get any spark from the wire leading to the distributor. I have already tried replacing this wire, so that's not the problem. My Hanes book says (as best as I can understand) that the voltage reading on 1 and 15 means the coil is okay. Is this incorrect?

To sort out the questions:

1. If I am getting readings on both terminals, does this mean the coil is okay?

2. Is there a way to test whether or not there is electricity coming out of the wire leading to the distributor besides the spark test?

3. If the coil is okay, why in the name of zeus's beard am I not getting a spark when I hold the wire near the crank case?

Thanks


PS: If there is already a post answering these questions just shoot me the link. I don't have time to search for it right now. Studying for the Bar Exam. Also, this is my first time working on this car.

[mihai914]

Did you try replacing the points inside the distributor? If you don't have a spare set around, you can try and clean the old ones fo now. You also have to set the gap when reinstalling and check the dwell angle and set the timing (all of these if the car starts of course).

The points is the mechanical device that will permit to the coil to energize and give you a nice spark for each cylinder.

You can find points at you local FLAPS (Autozone, Advance auto parts...)

Read the Haynes at page 62-63 points 1 and 2 and good luck for the BAR exam you'll need it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

This post has been edited by mihai914: Jul 8 2006, 07:49 PM

[Strykerguts]

Did you try replacing the points inside the distributor? If you don't have a spare set around, you can try and clean the old ones fo now. You also have to set the gap when reinstalling and check the dwell angle and set the timing (all of these if the car starts of course).

The points is the mechanical device that will permit to the coil to energize and give you a nice spark for each cylinder.

You can find points at you local FLAPS (Autozone, Advance auto parts...)

Read the Haynes at page 62-63 points 1 and 2 and good luck for the BAR exam you'll need it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

First off, much thanks for the well wishing on the exam. I need all the luck I can get right now. As for the car, I have not even been able to get the wire that goes from the coil to the distributor to make a spark. I would be happy at this point just to get that result. Then I can move on to the individual spark plug wires. Any thoughts on what could be causing the lack of spark at the coil to distributor wire? (keep in mind just installed new coil today). By the way, pics of the parts described are ALWAYS appreciated. Especially helpful for the 914 novices like yours truly.