Testing for Spark at Coil

Testing For Spark:

1. Remove coil secondary cable from distributor cap. Hold end of cable about 6 mm (1/4-inch) away from a good engine ground.

2. Crank the engine and check for a spark at coil secondary cable.

^ If a spark occurs, it must be constant. If it is, continue to crank engine and, while slowly moving the coil secondary cable away from ground, check for arcing at the coil tower. If arcing occurs replace coil.

^ If spark is not constant or spark is not present, proceed to the Failure To Start Test.

NOTE: If a good spark is produced the ignition coil is producing high secondary voltage. Inspect the distributor rotor, cap, spark plug cables, and spark plugs. If they are okay, the ignition system is not the reason why the engine will not start. It will be necessary check the fuel system and engine mechanical items.