The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay No spark In spark plug cable

I have a 53 chevy 3100 with a 216.I have no spark in the spark plug cable. THe resistor had oil like fluid where the cable connects. WHat could be the problem? I put another 12 volt working resistor but still no spark. ANy help is appreciated thanks

If you are referring to the coil wire that goes from the coil to the center of the distributor and the oil has come out of the coil, then you have a bad coil. Originally the truck was six volt, has the 12 volt conversion been done properly? You will find some good reading in the tech tips page.

Yes, im refering to the coil wire. i dont think the 12 volt conversion has been made since it still has the generator in it. THis is how i bought it. The old resistor label said 12 volts. I tested the system with another coil(12 volts too) but still no spark.

CenCal53,

The coil must be powered and the points must be adjusted properly for the coil to function properly. If the points are not opening and closing the coil won't fire. If the condenser is bad the coil won't fire. Make sure all these things are good and I'll bet you get spark...unless you have two bum coils!

Did the truck run when you got it?
If not, I would say the first step would be to identify just exactly what has and has not been done regarding the electrical system. If it's still 6 volt, it won't support a 12 volt ignition, especially if it has an internal resistor. The resistor will cut the voltage far too low to get a good spark.

This helps a lot thanks