Spark issues

[56rag1914cc]

Im hoping some might be able to help with an issue im having.

I am not getting spark to my engine, I have done the following to try and rectify:

Replaced ignition switch, spark plugs/wires, coil, electronic ignition, distributor cap and rotor.

I am at a loss after replacing everything. The motor turns over fine but will not start. I have power at the coil, did my ohms test on new coil as well. The only thing left is I noticed there is not a ground strap on tranny.

The motor started one day, then the next nothing. A few days later it started then again the next day it wouldnt start.

I am so confused and frustrated at this point. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[dragvw2180]

If you do not have solid mounts you may have answered your own question , you may not have a good ground . You would be suprised at how many technicians get fooled by bad grounds. Install your transmission ground and let us know the results. Mike McCarthy

[helowrench]

or, for testing, take a pair of jumper cables, and connect a nice spot on the engine to a nice spot on the frame.

[56rag1914cc]

Thanks gents, will ground tranny when i get home from work. Ive gone all out replacing everything and if its just the tranny gnd ill be happy and upset at the same time

[56rag1914cc]

I was wrong, there is in fact a ground strap on the tranny

Last thing i can think of is replace distributor

[Ol'fogasaurus]

One funny thing I had happen was that the distributor, for some reason, rose up in the case and wasn't turning. I don't remember now how I spotted it but it was an AW $#it moment.

[BAJA-IT]

You have checked the timing, right?

[56rag1914cc]

You have checked the timing, right?

I didnt check timing because i thought the motor had to be running to do that. I am going to put new distributor in, static time it, then strobe it if it starts. This thing is really depressing me!!

[56rag1914cc]

One funny thing I had happen was that the distributor, for some reason, rose up in the case and wasn't turning. I don't remember now how I spotted it but it was an AW $#it moment.

If the rotor turns would that mean you were seated well?

[Ol'fogasaurus]

One funny thing I had happen was that the distributor, for some reason, rose up in the case and wasn't turning. I don't remember now how I spotted it but it was an AW $#it moment.

If the rotor turns would that mean you were seated well?

It didn't but with the cap on you couldn't tell. The distributor had not been taken out of the car as I remember. I have since heard of others who had the same/similar problems which is why I mentioned it. If the distributor was taken out to put in the electronic ignition components it may not have seated itself in order for the bug to rotate.

[56rag1914cc]

One funny thing I had happen was that the distributor, for some reason, rose up in the case and wasn't turning. I don't remember now how I spotted it but it was an AW $#it moment.

If the rotor turns would that mean you were seated well?

It didn't but with the cap on you couldn't tell. The distributor had not been taken out of the car as I remember. I have since heard of others who had the same/similar problems which is why I mentioned it. If the distributor was taken out to put in the electronic ignition components it may not have seated itself in order for the bug to rotate.

Thank god was an easy fix for you! I am putting new Kaddie Shack pertronix svda in today and dumping the 009. If this isnt it time to delve deeper, i hope that is t the case

[56rag1914cc]

Put new distributor in, static timed w/ test light method. Same result, engine turns but will not fire up. Ive done a search and feels like ive tried everything.

[Marc]

...I have power at the coil...

Have you verified that there's power when cranking? Wouldn't be the first ignition switch to fail so that coil power is interrupted when in the crank position.

[Ol'fogasaurus]

As marc said if you can try a ignition switch bypass via a jumper wire.

If that is not the problem then check the high tension lead as they have been known to be bad out of the box.

Coils are also hard to check out: where I worked a long time ago we had a coil tester but even then we checked some out good that turned out to be not good. If you have good power (12 volts at least) to the coil but nothing at the spark plug the coil and high tension lead I would check out. Also the coils are sometimes different. Some require a ballast resistor and some don't. If you have one that doesn't but you have a ballast resistor you could have troubles there. Marc, isn't this true?

I think you said that the engine transaxle ground was good didn't you.

Frustrating for you fun for us to "who done it".

[56rag1914cc]

...I have power at the coil...

Have you verified that there's power when cranking? Wouldn't be the first ignition switch to fail so that coil power is interrupted when in the crank position.

So have someone crank while i am in back with test light?

Since i was by myself i used a spare (new) ignition hooked it up in trunk and just cranked from there. While there i redid all connections at ignition switch. I will grab wife and have her crank while i hold test light