ok...got fuel but no fire.
The Coil's bat line gives 12+ with key on.

Pretty much leaves the coil and Igintion Module right?

Both checked out ok this week at Autozone.

Which do I replace first?
Module looks to be original and the coil I replaced 2 or three years ago.

Something else I may look at?

Thanks.

Bob3 and an almost running Blue Beast

 

BF3,

Make sure the plugs are not fuel-soaked. Check the rotor, distributor cap, and secondary wire condition.

If you have an '87 or later car, check the coil wire as well. If you have an oscilloscope or old dwell meter, you can check the ignition coil primary to see if the HEI module is switching at all. Check for spark right at the coil if possible.

If you have the older HEI system with the captive coil, make sure teh insulation wasjer between the coil and cap has not deteriorated and can still insulate instead of conduct.

Don't overlook the spark plug wires, too.

You could also have a failed pickup coil in the base of the distributor, in which case a good HEI module would not have a signal to switch the coil. A cracked/damaged reluctor ring could have the same effect, and is right above the pickup coil, so while you're in there....

You can check the pickup coil with an ohmmeter. With the pickup coil disconnected you should read 500-1,500 ohms through the pickup, and infinite resistance to ground.

The ignition coil can be tested in a similar manner. The primary winding should be between 0.1-1.0 ohms, and the secondary winding should be between 6,000-25,000 ohms. Both windings should have infinite resistance to the coil case (ground) with the coil leads disconnected.

------------------
Later,
Vader
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"Let the bodies hit the floor!"
Adobe Acrobat Reader

[This message has been edited by Vader (edited June 15, 2001).]

 

Its an 85 Bird.

New cap and rotor. So the rubber washer was replaced as well.
Wires looked ok. No spark when I crank with the 2 wire near ground.

What is the secondary wire you mentioned?

Thanks

Bob3

[This message has been edited by bfoleyiii (edited June 15, 2001).]

 

BF3,

Since you have an '85, you should have the older HEI (coil in cap). There is no coil secondary wire, but the rest of the secondary wiring is still there (spark plug wires).

You can test for spark right at the plug wire terminals of the distributor, but be careful.

Test the ignition and pickup coils, then take it from there.

------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"Let the bodies hit the floor!"
Adobe Acrobat Reader