Expert: Brad Sears - 7/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: i have a 318 thats not getting any spark.i just replaced the timing gears and chain because it jumped one tooth 2 days ago. In the last 2 weeks i replaced the coil,the points( that are set to .017)and condenser that is inside the distributor,the cap,rotor,spark plugs and wires,and timing gears and chain.Now before it jumped time i got it running good. so when I replaced the timing gears and chain i put the dots in line up and down, the # 1 piston all the way up, and the rotor facing the # 1 spark plug wire. and now the motor turns over like it should nice and strong.my questions are.Is the point setting right .017? did i do the timing chain right? and what do you think might be the reason i don't have any spark?

ANSWER: have you tested the spark by holding the coil wire about 1/8 inch from the engine block while someone turns over the engine to see if spark jumps the gap?
Let me know.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I just tested it the way you said and went and bought another coil and still no fire not even off the coil wire or the #1 spark plug wire, i also rechecked the gap on the points and still nothin. thankyou for spending your time on helping me with this.

Answer
A couple of tricks. First remove the distributor cap and have someone turn the engine over while you watch the rotor. Make sure that the distributor is turning. After that it is time to get out the voltmeter and check for voltage at the + side of the coil with the key on. If there is no light then check the resistor. If that is ok then connect a test light to the - side of the coil and the light should flash when the engine is turned over. If not the pick up in the distributor is suspect or the ignition module located on the fire wall.