I have no spark at all coming through the plugs. I have changed the cap/rort and still no go. ANyone have an idea what it is?

 

Could be few different things.....

Wires (spark plug and/or wire harness)
Coil
ICM
Rusted distributor (I know this one two well)
ECM not sending signal

 

This is always caused by one of two things:


1) Failed Ignition Coil
2) Failed Ignition Control Module


I say, remove both of them, take them to Discount Auto Parts or the like, and replace the one that doesn't work.

Coils are about $39 dollars, and an Ignition Control Module is about $20 dollars.

The COIL, obviously is.. well, you know what it looks like. The Ignition Control Module is a black flat device that sits underneath the distributor cap (it's what all the wires connect to.

It's held in by TWO 7mm screws and you must remove the distributor cap to get to it.

 

Mine is held in buy two 5.5mm (7/32) screws, but hey. Its in that spot and fairly easy to get off to have tested.

 

thanks guys, i changed plugs and wires today, looks like no spark was going through the wires.

 

Ouch, that's always a bummer. When you checked for spark, did you check at least two spark plug wires for spark? That's something that should always be done; it's always possible to grab the one bad plug wire and check for spark. And if two plug wires fail to spark, try checking for spark at the coil wire (from the center of the dist cap). Glad to hear you got it fixed without much time/money wasted on diagnosis!

 

why couldn't mine be that easy??

 

Let's get Physical...
Who owned the car before you?
How many miles?
Was it running before you got stuck?
No spark tends to be the coil is worn out. WHY?
It's located, vunerable, above exhaust manifold.
Soaking the heat.
Coil tends to die often.
Ignition Control Module & distributor is next after replacing coil & then checking for spark.
Does the distributor look real rusted, bad condition?
This is common with some regions of country & POS, too (Previous Owner Syndrome).
While checking distributor, check condition of the timing chain for necessary replacement. That item tends to be shot after 50,000-75,000 original miles.
All contributes to spark, but in order given in my answer.

 

thanks keds, but yeah it was running for about 2 months and then it just wouldnt start. Im just gald i got it fixed quick, it was like 10 degrees out there today, i was freezin!!

 

Was in upper 60's here.
BUT the SoCal weather was "like this" and then the real winter rains came in, several years ago.
I keep thinking this the lull between big storms.
Find good looking woman to keep ya warm!