Distributor issues...I think

[beesquad711]

Well I did have it hooked up backwards the first time we tried to fire it. Is there any way to test the coil to see if it is trashed or not? Just to add a new twist of weirdness I also tried the coil off my dad's car with similar results (no spark). The static timing is right on but at this point the timing isn't a huge issue since we have no spark at all. Even if it was out of time we should still be getting juice through the wires...just not at the right time.

[NO_H2O]

Try a new Condenser. It may not be any good and it will not trigger the coil if it is bad(open). I would not try to measure the voltage from the plug wires, you meter will not like it. The coil output should be 30,000 to 40,000 volts and it will destroy your meter. You can hook your timming light up and see if it strobes to check for spark. or see if you get a spark jump to ground at the end of the coil wire(it should be a nice blue spark, if it is week and orange the coil it week).

[beesquad711]

Originally Posted by NO_H2O

I would not try to measure the voltage from the plug wires, you meter will not like it. The coil output should be 30,000 to 40,000 volts and it will destroy your meter.

I would never <GASP>. I checked it the old fashioned way...stick a screw driver in the plug wire and see if it arcs to the header. Works like a charm...well at least if there's spark it does. I'll give the condenser a shot. Thanks a ton.

[beesquad711]

Well I tried two different coils (see "huge box of parts that comes with the car") and a different distributor in various combinations....nothing. I double checked everything to make sure it was all as it should be but I must still be missing something. I had a painful recollection of a previous electrical disiaster so I double and triple checked the fuses...again, still nothing. Just to recap, here's the "state of the baja address":

12vdc into the coil, 0vdc out of the distributor (I'm tempted to put my tongue on the plug just because I can ). The car ran about a week ago so I have a hard time understanding how and when something would have broken unless it was something like juice running the wrong way through the coil (as noh2o mentioned....which I'm pretty sure happenned at some point). Rotor is good, points are good, timing *should* be good, etc.

In other news, I get the aforementioned 8-spoke wheels back tomorrow with a bright shiny set of tires on them...it's amazing what $300 can do for a problem like that. I'm gonna be very angry if I get tires before I fix my spark problem...then I wouldn't have any excuse to complain to the wonderful folks at Wheel Works, and that would be a shame.

[beesquad711]

I could really use some suggestions on this guys. I'm getting antsy to get it back on the road and knowing it's something simple is driving me mad . 2 hours and counting til work I get off work and the fun begins . Thanks!!

[NO_H2O]

You have 12vdc to the + side of the coil?
You have the trigger wire from the points/condenser to the - side of the coil?
Static timing is good?
Firing order is good and in the correct rotation?
Distributor is rotating?
Coil/points/condenser are good?
ignition wires are good?
cap/rotor are good?
Plugs are good?
Engine/transaxle ground strap is good?
Fuel/compression are good?
Should run.

[beesquad711]

Originally Posted by NO_H2O

Engine/transaxle ground strap is good?

How do I check that. It was good a week and a half ago so I'm sure it still is but just in case...Is there any way I can check the condensor? Same story...worked then, probably still does, just making sure. Thanks a ton for the help. At least the tires will look nice while it sits there