[72chevelleguy]

The other day, my Chevelle (nicknamed Satan) lost ignition spark while I was driving. I am running a 454 punched to a 468 with a GM HEI distributer. It has an Accel 45000 volt supercoil built in. I initially figured it was the control module, so I replaced it with a Accel high voltage. I also replaced the rotor cap just in case that burned. After putting it back together, I still had no spark. I do have voltage going to the plug at the distributor cap. The coil is the only thing I havent replaced. My question; If the coil fails, would there be no spark at all? also, what could cause the coil to fail? Thanks! I checked the previous forums with no success.......

[Siggy_Freud]

Yes, when a coil fails more often than not you will see no spark at all (sometimes a very weak spark). Its very possible for one to fail. Sometimes they get burnt out or whatnot. If you can get your hands on a cheap coil, (I think autozone has some for like 13 bucks) toss it in and see if you get any fire. Better to pay the extra few bucks before throwing down the cash for another high $$ coil only to find that wasn't your problem. I'd suspect wiring except that you say it just suddenly died when you were driving. But make sure you have the full 12.5 volts going to the coil. Also make sure that the 12v at the coil is still giving power when you are in the cranking position. Make sure the negative of the coil is still going to the back of the distributor.

Hope this helps,

Dylan.

[72chevelleguy]

Thanks Dylan,
My problem has continued. I replaced the coil, so now I have replaced the coil, control module and the rotor. I still have to spark. I just dont understand now....maybe a new distributor is next......maybe a gallon of gas and a match.........

[Siggy_Freud]

Its possible you have a failure in the pickup coil. Not sure where its located on that vehicle but I know on mine, it has a pickup coil at the bottom of the shaft on the distributor. If thats bad then you wont even be getting the proper signal for a spark to fire. If you have a book on your engine check and see if and where its located. They normally aren't too expensive of a part.

Also, verify that you have good wires coming from inside the distributor into the coil. The module might be good but the wires from the module to the coil might not be so decent. Make sure the 12v to the coil still has power not only when the ignition is on but also when the system is CRANKING. If your losing power while the system is in crank mode then it will not fire.

There are only so many things it can be lol . . . you'll get it eventually.

[CurtisL]

yes but to replace the pickup coil you have to pull the distributor and take it completly apart.. do some testing on the pick up coil before you go through all that trouble..
are you getting correct volts to your coil.. ?

[72chevelleguy]

I give up! I spent seven grand on the engine and put a 30 year old distributor back in, I must be a dumb#&s!! I'm buying a new MSD distributor!! Shoulda done it in the first place! Thanks everyone for the help!....going to do a new post for suggestions.

P.S. Thought this hotrod stuff is posed to be fun?

[docvette]

And...Dude....Like, It ain't???

and..P.S. just in case that like, don't work...do you have a timing pickup at the crank pulley also? maybe a thing to check...just in case you have to defer to the above mentioned...line 1....

Many is the time I have been taunted by the foul "Unplugged Plug" Evil forces....that plauge the 'Ol Starship.....

It's all a plot to drive the Doc back into the asylum....

Best ~O~Luck Dude...
And Take solace in the fact you don't live in Ca...Own a 24 year old Corvette, and have to comply with Smog Check 2....In theroy...my Butt needs Duel catlyitic Converters to comply...


Doc