Ignition Coil?

So, i finally got around this evening to fiddle with the jeep (69 cj5 :v6. Pulled the fuel pickup, cleaned it up, blew out the lines (both main feed and return). No issues. Started the jeep up and ran it for a while, idled it for roughly 45 mins, then it died...and would not restart. I put the voltometer on the wire running into the ballast resistor - 12v, on the output side running at roughly 9v, still had 9v on the + side of the coil, but 0v on the -terminal. Does this mean i have a bad coil? (I assume yes), am planning on going to the FLAPS tomorrow and picking up a new one....hoping that helps to cure my ails any feedback on this? Does this sound like a good plan?

 

So - thats what i thought too - the negative side should pulse but nothing - it doesnt even move the needle.

I checked for spark on the #1 plug but there wasnt any....

 

Well - no pulse, but no voltage, no nothing....hmmmm.

Any ideas where i can buy a delco dizzy cheaply? (WTB ad placed)

 

I'd also check the condenser. Common failure. No condenser=no spark. Turn the motor over until the points are closed, check for power on the negative side of the coil with the ignition switch on. If ok, then use a screwdriver with an insulated handle and manually open the points. There should be a fat blue spark from the points when they open. If not, check the points to make sure they aren't burned. If ok then change the condenser and re-check (only a couple of bucks). Should get a nice spark then. If not then check the coil negative wire going to the distributor. Sometimes the insulation gets rubbed/worn through and grounds to the distributor body or creates an open circuit. The Prestolite is not a "bad" distributor, but can be hard to get parts for and certainly can't be upgraded without changing to a Delco or HEI.

 

ok - addressing one step at a time:

1. checked voltage both while cranking and with points closed - no spark
2. new condenser - just replaced on last friday - before the initial stall/no start
3.I filed the points with an ignition file (because the napa didnt have the right ones)
4. I checked the condenser to make sure it wasnt touching anything and then checked the voltage again at the negative side of the coil with the key on, and it shot up to 14v????
5. i used a well insulated screwdriver to open the points, but could not get a spark across them, it just sparked across the center of the dizzy (to the lift/lobe portion).
6. i had replaced the wire from the dizzy to the coil - so it is new.

after replacing the cap i attempted to fire the engine - it would fire, but would not stay running (i didnt mess with it much, and its cold outside).

So - i think that i need to get new points at the least, but i am at a loss as to why i couldnt get a spark across the points - could there be another issue?

I plan to go to pertronix asap, but would like to have the jeep up and running good before that if possible..(who knows when i can get a delco dizzy, and the HEI units i found that are a complete setup are ~300$)

 

Just went back and re-read your original post and you could have a bad coil. You said you're gonna get another one so I'd hook it up and check. Voltage in and no voltage = bad sign. I usually do a resistance check with an ohmmeter on them. Check for shorts between the primary and case (positive and negative terminals to coil case) and shorts from the primary side and the secondary side (positive and negative terminals and the coil to distributor terminal). Should be infinity or open circuits on the primary to secondary circuits.

 

the buick farm shows he has a n.o.s delco distributor for $75.00. look under 67 skylark, towards the bottom of the page.

 

Awesome. Thank you! I just bought one from an ECJ member - one that has been updated with pertronix already

I am still going to go get a new coil today!