Testing for Spark at Coil

Fig. 1 Checking for spark:

Engine Can Be Cranked
If engine is hot, the ``Engine Cannot Be Cranked'' procedure should be followed instead of this one, to avoid adding unburned fuel into the catalytic converter.
1. Disconnect coil wire high tension lead from distributor cap, then hold wire approximately .2-.4 inch away from cylinder block, Fig. 1.
2. Crank engine with starter and check for spark.
3. If spark is not present, proceed to step 4. If spark is present, check distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs, spark plug wires, ignition timing and fuel system.
4. Measure voltage at negative terminals of ignition coil with ignition switch in the On position.
5. If measured voltage indicates battery voltage, proceed to step 6. If 3 volts or less is indicated, replace igniter and repeat test. If zero volts is indicated, check for open ignition coil or defective wiring.
6. Remove original coil, then install new coil and repeat test as described in step 1.
7. If spark is not present, replace distributor. If spark is present, ignition coilis defective.

Fig. 2 Producing spark with engine not running:

Engine Cannot Be Cranked
If engine is hot, one of the the following procedures should be followed to check for spark instead of the ``Engine Can Be Cranked'' procedure, to avoid adding unburned fuel into the catalytic converter.
1. Disconnect coil wire high tension lead from distributor cap, then hold wire approximately .2-.4 inch away from cylinder block, Fig. 1. Remove distributorcap, then turn rotor in direction of engine rotation (clockwise) by hand until rotor contacts stop. Return rotor to its original position. Spark can be produced by moving projection of the signal rotor close to the stator, Fig. 1.
2. Remove distributor cap and rotor. With coil wire high tension lead removed and held approximately .2-.4 inch away from cylinder block, Fig. 1, quickly move a screwdriver in and out through gap between governor base and housing, Fig. 2, to produce spark.
3. Remove distributor assembly from engine. With primary wiring connected to distributor and coil high tension lead removed and held approximately .2-.4 inch away from cylinder block, ground distributor assembly against suitable ground and rotate distributor shaft. Sparks should be produced.