No spark
 

Had to re-install my intake due to small oil leak, got everything done and tried to fire the car up (72 Olds W30), nothing. After goofing around for about 2 hours. I realized I mis-wired the Mallory Unilite (inside the distributor set up). Dug up the instructions, and read that if you get the wires wrong, the module is toast.

Replaced the module today, wired it correctly, and still no spark!?

The car ran fine before I pulled the intake. What else could I have messed up? The distributor is installed correctly, I even swapped it 180 to be sure.

Any thoughts?

What do I try now?

Re: No spark
 

It may have a fusible link somewhere in the wires leading to the points or the coil, if it was miswired and shorted out the link could be shot.

Re: No spark
 

Is it even spinning....if so hotwire it to isolate the distrib. assy. from ignition switch and wiring problems first. . And there should have been spark even if 180 out....did you rotate to let the distrib drop before clamping it down? . Good luck! .

~ Pete

Re: No spark
 

Rotor is spinning. Checked the coil to day with a meter and it appears good. Am picking up a test light on the way home to troubleshoot properly.

Noticed in the shop manual ignition troubleshooting flow chart that with the test light connected to the positive terminal on the coil, and the engine cranking, if the light does not light up, to check for shorted radio filter condenser at coil.

The wire broke off the condensor when I took the intake off (it was dangling at the time anyway). I guess I assumed that the condensor was only for noise suppression.

Is this thing needed to get a spark? If it is, I guess I know what my problem is.

Re: No spark
 

Car is running again, dropped an old 68 442 distributor into it, and it started right up. Have no idea what the problem was with the Mallory nor do I care at this point.

Will rebuild the nice one with good old fashioned points!

Joe

Re: No spark
 

Just put a petronix in it.