The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1955 235 No Spark

Someone please help. I am not getting spark from my coil. Here is what i have done:
1. put in a new coil
2. new wire from battery to positive side of coil

when i turn the engine over, hold the coil wire, which goes to the distributor cap, close to ground i get no spark.

did i get a bad coil?

Turn on the key & put a screw driver across the points. Each time the points open & close or the screw driver grounds the points you should get a spark. Make sure the points open & close as the engine turns. Sometimes the rubbing block gets worn down to a point where the points won't open.
George

Thanks George, points do spark when i stick a screwdriver in there. Points do open and close as the engine turns over. The points look new. I've never heard the engine run but the guy who sold it to me said he drove it last year.

Well, after a few hours of fiddling with the engine, i'm suddenly getting spark at the plugs. something must have been loose. Now i need to figure out how to set the timing with the engine not running. i know the distributor was moved and the timing is off. is there a way to do this?

Rotate the engine until number 1 cylinder (closest to the radiator) is at top dead center with both valves closed and then back off about 6 degrees or so (turn the other way a bit). Turn ignition on, install a timing light between the number 1 plug wire and the number 1 plug. Turn distributor until the timing light flashes and stop. Tighten the distributor, start engine, loosen distributor and set timing using the flywheel and timing marks on it. Good luck.

Thanks Jon, appreciate it.