The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop engine turns over but no spark.

Hi guys,
Maybe someone can help me out. I am working on a 54 Chevy 3100 with a 235 engine. I bought this truck from a man that work on the engine (got it all cleaned up and changed some parts). When I bought last year it didn't run.
This what is doing. I get spark at the points . I don't have any spark out of any of the wires going to the spark plugs. I have changed the voltage to 12 volts and also changed to a 12 volt coil. It has new plug wires. I was hoping you guys could help me out. Any help would thankful.

New or old points? Cap? rotor? What are the points gapped at?

Lets start there

Had somewhat of the same problem, is the distributor set right, mine was almost 180 degrees out, and I had to shim the starter, it was binding just alittle and keep the truck from starting. Good luck.

Brian,
New points, new cap , new rotor, new condenser. The pionts I gapped at .019. All the new things were put on before I bought it.

Welcome 54
First off, is the distributor shaft rotating when the engine is turned over? Saying that it is, double check the point gap. Then, rotate the engine until the distributor cam lobe is under the rubbing block on the points and the points are open. Then, with the ignition switch on, hold the coil wire from the coil about 1/4 inch from the block and touch a screwdriver between the point gap. You should get a spark each time you close the gap with a screwdriver. This saves the starter and the battery and lets you check the primary ignition system. You could also turn the distributor back and forth, but that would throw it out of time unless you mark it. If no spark, you may have a bad pigtail lead to the points or a bad coil. If you get a spark, check the rotor and see if there is a defect to keep the spark from crossing from the prong that touches the carbon center tip in the cap. Check the center of the cap and make sure that there is a carbon center tip. I have seen a new cap without one. Make sure that the outer tip on the rotor is straight and not twisted to the side. If the distributor shaft bushing is badly worn, the tip of the rotor will hit one of the plug wire connectors and brake off a piece of plastic and the tip on the rotor will swivel on the rivit and throw it completely out of time. If that doesn't fix it, you may have to take it to Mexico. If you have ever been there, you will see that nearly anything will run in Mexico. Just kidding.

Truck Tinker

Thanks Truck Tinker. I am going to try this in the morning to see what I come up with. I will let you guys know what I find. Thank you again .