I've got a weird problem. I was driving a 1992 TPI 350 down the road when it died. Just plain died. I tried to start it back up but it wouldn't start. Turned over and tried to start but never caught. Got it back to my house and began checking the obvious stuff. Fuel pump turned on, had fuel at the rails, good pressure. O.K. So then I looked at the spark. Started at the coil. I was all alone so I took the wire off the coil and just sat it on top so I could see if I had spark when I turned it over. Guess what...It started. Not only did it start with the coil wire half on but it ran perfectly, idled smooth and revved great!

So I figure maybe I got lucky and inadvertently fixed the problem. I put the wire back on all the way and crank it over. Won't start! Same problem as before. I go out and take the wire half off again and it starts. What is going on? Please help me with this. I have no idea.

 

Pull the coil wire completely to inspect it. Install it in the reverse direction (at least temporarily) in case the insulation boot is failing and allowing leakage.

If that reveals nothing, I'd suggest you open the distributor cap to inspect it and the rotor. You might also want to pull a few of the easier plugs to inspect them. It seems something is shorting the coil output, and only when the gap is increased (to raise the coil output voltage) will is run.

 

Thanks. I'll try that tonight. I didn't see any arcing when I inspected it in the dark but I guess it could be internal. (Under cap) I'll keep you informed.