Author Topic: ignition question (Read 8863 times)

75starflight · « **on:** September 24, 2014, 07:11:18 PM »

First question

How do you check a coil to see if it is good?

Which side of the distributor do you hook the points and condenser too?

Rich_V174SS · « **Reply #1 on:** September 24, 2014, 07:22:53 PM »

Quote

How do you check a coil to see if it is good?

You can do a resistance check between the positive and negative terminals, that's the primary winding. A resistance check between the HT terminal and the negative terminal is the secondary winding. Not sure off the top of my head what the reading should be, but no continuity could mean an open coil winding, which would be bad.

Quote

Which side of the distributor do you hook the points and condenser too?

I think you mean which side of the coil. Points and condenser connect to the negative side of the coil.

Terry_Curran · « **Reply #2 on:** September 24, 2014, 07:24:35 PM »

http://www.international-auto.com/fiat-lancia-electrical-system/how-to-test-an-ignition-coil.cfm

Here are what the reading should be?

Terry

75starflight · « **Reply #3 on:** September 24, 2014, 07:31:24 PM »

Thanks guys, at least I have the distributor hooked up correct. I will check the coils I have tomorrow and double check my points gap. I am just getting frustrated with Phoenix fighting me. I had great spark before the tare down put everything back together the way it was and nothing at all.

Rich_V174SS · « **Reply #4 on:** September 24, 2014, 07:48:34 PM »

The 12v ignition feed and ballast bypass wires go to the positive terminal of the coil. The points, tachometer, and shift interrupt switch go to the negative. Check for voltage at the positive terminal using a test light with the key on.

75starflight · « **Reply #5 on:** September 24, 2014, 08:18:55 PM »

Quote from: Rich_V174SS on September 24, 2014, 07:48:34 PM

The 12v ignition feed and ballast bypass wires go to the positive terminal of the coil. The points, tachometer, and shift interrupt switch go to the negative. Check for voltage at the positive terminal using a test light with the key on.

Already checked for voltage at the positive terminal during cranking and with the key in the run position an have the proper voltage.

Jason · « **Reply #6 on:** September 24, 2014, 09:29:34 PM »

Rub a little sand paper on the points. Are you sure they are closing completely?

75starflight · « **Reply #7 on:** September 24, 2014, 09:58:56 PM »

Quote from: Jason on September 24, 2014, 09:29:34 PM

Rub a little sand paper on the points. Are you sure they are closing completely?

They were when I reinstalled the distributor, but I will reset the points gap tomorrow.

75starflight · « **Reply #8 on:** September 25, 2014, 12:07:38 PM »

OK Just tested both coils and both tested at

primary .89 and .91

secondary 8000 and 9000

So... I think I have found my problem, we will see, I am not getting my hopes up yet. New coil ordered through O'reilly's should be here tomorrow.

thedeuceman · « **Reply #9 on:** September 25, 2014, 12:20:20 PM »

i don't think those readings are far enough off to be a problem.
if you hook everything back up, you should also have 12v on the neg side of the coil when the points are open.
if not something in that circuit is grounded (shift interrupter, tach wire, dist wire, condenser)

75starflight · « **Reply #10 on:** September 25, 2014, 12:34:58 PM »

Quote from: thedeuceman on September 25, 2014, 12:20:20 PM

i don't think those readings are far enough off to be a problem.
if you hook everything back up, you should also have 12v on the neg side of the coil when the points are open.
if not something in that circuit is grounded (shift interrupter, tach wire, dist wire, condenser)

I did check that also last night and with the points open I have 12 volts on the negative side of the coil just no discharge when points close. I also changed the condenser thinking that could be the problem but still had the same issue.

thedeuceman · « **Reply #11 on:** September 25, 2014, 12:46:05 PM »

does the neg side go to zero when the points close ?

75starflight · « **Reply #12 on:** September 25, 2014, 01:59:38 PM »

Quote from: thedeuceman on September 25, 2014, 12:46:05 PM

does the neg side go to zero when the points close ?

I will have to check that

buckz6319 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 25, 2014, 07:34:38 PM »

hang in there Brandon, in my book you have some of the best folks in the business helping you...

I know you will get your spark back, and Phoenix will be ALIVE! once again

75starflight · « **Reply #14 on:** September 26, 2014, 08:36:55 PM »

Picked up the new coil today, I hope the 140 comes to life tomorrow morning

buckz6319 · « **Reply #15 on:** September 26, 2014, 09:37:58 PM »

Good Luck Brandon:)

75starflight · « **Reply #16 on:** September 27, 2014, 12:24:04 PM »

I feel like an idiot, the answer to a problem is always over looked and is a simple answer.

I found my no spark issue, my safety switch was loose and only partially engaged causing the engine not to start.

Now I have to replace my raw water pump because the phones slid off when I put water pressure to them.

75starflight · « **Reply #17 on:** September 27, 2014, 12:31:07 PM »

http://youtu.be/94M9b3aVA14

buckz6319 · « **Reply #18 on:** September 27, 2014, 01:02:34 PM »

It's Alive! It's Alive!...sounds good Brandon. I'm happy for you " Victory" feel good:)

Jason · « **Reply #19 on:** September 27, 2014, 02:24:25 PM »

It's almost always something stupid. Sounds good.