Expert: Brad Sears - 1/22/2011

Question
I have a 1960 Rambler Custom with the 196 Straight 6 cylinder OHV engine.  I removed the Distributor and had it re-built with electronic points.  I thought that I had everything in line so that I could replace the distributor without any problems.  I must have missed a step and now it won't run.  The
engine cranks normally but will not run.   I attached the new Petronix electronic ignition to the ballast resistor but it still won't work.

Answer
Ok, the first thing that you need to do is to see if the ignition system is working and producing spark. Remove the high tension coil lead from the center of the distributor cap, hold it by the middle of the wire and holt it so that the end of the wire that came out of the distributor cap is about 1/4 inch from the engine block. Now have some one crank the engine and see if you have a nice bright blue spark jumping from the wire to the block. If you do then replace the wire and remove a plug wire from any one of the spark plugs and repeat the test. If you have no spark check to see if you might have left the rotor out or the rotor is broken or a cracked distributor cap. If you got spark at the spark plug wire then the problem is a timing problem. If you did not get spark with the coil wire use a test light at the + terminal of the coil with the key on. If the test light does not glow there is a problem with the ignition switch or wiring to it. If the test light glows then attach the test light to the - terminal of the coil. Crank the engine and the test light should flash. If it does not then there is a problem in the distributor and contact the person that rebuilt it.