Just follow the electricity in a logical order.
With the key on, remove the coil wire fron the center of the dis cap and hold it close to a block ground. Use a small jumper wire to connect the dist terminal of the coil to ground. When you lift the jumper off the ground you should get a spark at the coil wire. Do it a couple times to confirm. Spark = coil good, no spark = coil bad.
Remove the dist cap and look at the points. If they are open, hold the coil wire near the ground and use the blade of a screwdriver to bridge the gap in the points. When you remove it the coil should produce a spark. If they are closed, use a something plastic or wood to open the points. Should get spark each time you open them. That would generally mean the point and condenser are good. (I can think of at least 3 exceptions to that)
If you are good so far, The spark now has to get to the plugs. Cracked cap, shorted rotor, short rotor in a tall cap, can all cause the problem. Make sure the dist shaft is actually rotating when you crank the engine. Be sure to check for spark at the plugs with a fresh plug and a good ground.
Last edited by Jim Sears; 10/22/2014 5:00 AM.
