System Check (No Spark - Engine Won't Start)

There are two circuits to the ignition coil "+" terminal from the ignition switch. When the switch is in the "START" position, battery power is applied directly to the "+" terminal of the coil from the ignition switch "START" terminal. When the engine is running, battery power from the "IGN" terminal of the switch passes through the ballast resistor before reaching the coil.

QUICK CHECK

Visually inspect ignition coil. Check for cracks around electrical terminals and high tension lead. Replace coil if any damage is found.

If the engine will not start normally while cranking, but starts as soon as the key is released and runs OK, check for open circuit in the wiring between the ignition switch "START" terminal and the "+" terminal of the ignition coil.

If the engine starts normally when cranking but dies as soon as the key is released, check for open in the ballast resistor or wiring between resistor and ignition switch "START" terminal.

If no problems are found and the engine will not start, perform the following test procedure.

Ignition Coil W/External Ballast Resistor:

1. Disconnect wire at the negative (-) terminal of the ignition coil.
2. Turn the ignition switch "ON", and check voltage at positive (+) terminal of coil.

- Should have 9 - 11 volts. If not, check for open in wiring between ignition switch "IGN" terminal and coil.

3. Crank engine while checking voltage at positive (+) terminal of coil.

- Should have 9 - 11 volts. If not, check for open in ballast resistor or in wiring between ignition switch "START" terminal and coil.

4. Check coil primary resistance (check between positive and negative terminals).

- Should be 1.2 ohms.

5. Check coil secondary resistance (check between negative terminal and high tension lead).

- Should be approx. 13K - 14K ohms.

If either primary or secondary resistance is not as specified, replace ignition coil.

6. Check for open in wiring between igniter and ignition coil. Repair or replace as necessary.

Distributor (Cap And Rotor Removed):

7. Check air gap between signal rotor and igniter (inside distributor, see illustration). Adjust if necessary.

- Should be 0.030" (0.8mm).

8. Check for broken or disconnected ground wire to igniter (inside distributor, see illustration).


If no problems have been found, replace igniter.