Thread: Distributor not sparking?

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I had a problem a couple weeks ago where the wires i had on my BBC were too long, and without looms they got caught on something and a couple of them ripped apart. I bought a very cheap set of new wires just to get it running so I could move it again, and now the engine won't fire.

The distributor is getting power, and the sparks are all on correctly, think i need a new distributor cap or something? Does anyone have any suggestions on tests I can make to find the problem? Nothing has been done to the engine since it last ran besides new spark plug wires.

Thanks,
Eric

Bad module in distributor, bad coil? these can be checked at autozone, do you have the plugs in the right order? did you move the distributor on accident and screw up timing? is your distributor tight? I doubt it will be cap, or rotor. How long has this motor been sitting without firing? got fuel? Well theres some ideas, i dont see why even cheap wires wouldnt work, they should be fine, check some of those other things and good luck.

I WOULD HAVE TO AGREE WITH 71 BAD MODUAL THEY WILL BURN OUT FAST IF ITS UNDER ALOT OF STRESS COULD BE COIL TO BUT CHECK MODUAL FIRST VERY CHEAP TO CHANGE OUT.

Eric,
If you 69 is original I doubt that it has an HEI distributor. If you did not loosen the distributor for re-timing then movement on that end should not be the problem. What you may want to look for is a bad set of points or a bad condensor. It doesn't take long for these to burn out. If they are good then check the coil. Also, look for a resistor block on the fire wall. If you have one of these and it is burnt out, it will draw down voltage to the plugs so that they will not fire. If your unit was converted to HEI then the module may be bad and you would have to pick up a new module.

Hope this helps.

Steve

should have read the year so sorry im sure that has points.

Thanks for the replies, here is some more info...

The engine is a '79 454 from a suburban. SO yes it does have HEI.

I tried replacing the coil and still does not fire. I tried a spark test and got no spark at all, so I know the wire order wouldnt matter in that case. Again, the distributor power line does have power, but no spark.

What is a module? The only things I haven't checked yet are the rotor and distributor itself. I really just need a cheap fix here so I can move it into my driveway!

Thanks again,
Eric

Eric,
There is a small plug in module under the distributor cap. Once you take the cap off and take the rotor off you'll be able to see it. These modules do go bad. I don't know how expensive they are as I try to stay away from the HEI stuff. Also, look at the end of the rotor. If it is burnt to any real degree, you may want to change that also. Your other option is to find an older point distributor and coil to slip in and move the unit. It will allow you to get it off of the street and allow time to check the HEI unit. This suggestion is in case you change the module and rotor and it still doesn't fire. Let me know if you need anything else.

Steve

Well I just put in a new ignition module and it still wont spark!

I'm not sure what else it could be, the rotor looks alright i think.

The car is getting fuel, air, the plugs are all new, the wires are fine, it's cranking fine, i just don't know what else to try! =(

I used a test light to check the BAT line going to the disributor, could there be something wrong with this part maybe its not getting ENOUGH power?

Eric

Could this have anything to do with a ballast or inline resistance wire?

I had an old points system on a straight-6 engine before i swapped in an HEI 454 v8 engine. I did not change any wiring.

Any ideas?

Dumb question but is your battery hooked up right? I have had the no spark problem before,Is the coil you put in this thing new or used? you can have them tested, clean out your points on the inside of your cap Did you put the coil in it right when you put it back together, plus make sure you have it plugged in right, makes sure the tach isnt in the wrong spot and make sure the power is going into the correct side of the cap, make sure your connection is good. I think there is another pick up coil at the bottom of your distributor but i dont have any info on them really, i doubt that would be it anyways, correct me if im wrong anyone. If everything is good then you have to have spark. Did you check your crank sensor hehe

I fixed it!! I think the real problem was infact the ignition module which i replaced. After I replacd that, the BAT terminal coming from the ignition module wasnt secure in the harness. I plugged this back in and BOOM fired right up.

Thanks all for your help, I would have never found the ignition module without it

Eric

Eric,

Glad you got it running. With these cars it could almost be anything. It is the only way a guy gets to know the ingition system on his own though. If you ever run into the problem again you'll know what to look for. Take care.

Steve