[danekejt]

Need pointers on how a points ignition system works. Not real good with ignitions systems. the car is a 57 chevy with a 62 327. the ignition system is a points system. i have regapped the points and getting no spark. replaced the condenser and no spark. getting new points tonight to replace. getting 6v out of the coil but i am not sure if i measured it properly. need some pointers on that. Thanks for any and all suggestions.

[willys36@aol.com]

http://www.autoshop-online.com/auto1....html#ignition

Coils (even 12V ones - that's why they install ballast resistors) are designed to run @ 6V so that sounds ok. Another thing to check is the carbon contact on the distributor cap. These sometime get broken which opens the circuit. I assume the plug wires are in good shape. Also, be sure the coil wires are hooked up properly; "+" from battery and "-" to distributor.

[danekejt]

willys,
thanks for the reply. plug wires are new. car was running up until a month ago when i started this mess. i will check the cap. was also wondering about how to measure the volts that are coming/going from the coil. any other measurements that i can do? thanks again for the responses.

Just found this page this week and must say i love it.

[willys36@aol.com]

Coil should have +6V @ both terminals when measured to ground. The + terminal is from the battery through the ballast resistor so obvioulsy should have a reading or the lead wire is defective. The - terminal should have the same reading or the coil is bad. From what you have said so far, it sounds like you have a bad coil.

[Vern Bradford]

Make sure that you don't have any grease or oil on the point contacts. (Gap at .019, Dwell 28-33.) Also a bad ignition switch will screw things up. You can eliminate the condenser as a problem by simply disconnecting it (temporally).
You can test your coil by turning on the ignition switch with the points closed, remove the high tension cable from the dist cap and hold it 1/4" to 3/8" from a clean spot on the block. If the coil and other units connected to it are good, a spark will occur. (From Motors Manual)
Did you save the old wires? Try putting on the old high tension lead. Are you running a ballast resistor? It is hooked in series with the primary ignition circuit, so any problem there will affect the coil also. Let us know how this comes out.
Vern

[jimfulco]

Sometimes a bad electrical connection can occur at the low voltage terminals on the coil. I have a couple of old cars that live in the yard, & sometimes I have to wiggle the wires before they'll start. Also, run a piece of non-shiny cardboard between the points. Sometimes a tiny layer of oil or corrosion can block current flow.

[danekejt]

thank you all for the quick responses. i was able to get the beast running yesterday. ended up replacing thecoil and everything is running great now. thanks again for all of your help and this great site. glad i found it