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Ignition System Starting Test

  1. Remove coil wire from distributor cap. Hold end of wire about 1/4" away from a good engine ground. Have an assistant crank engine while you look for a spark at the coil wire. If there is a spark, it must be constant and bright blue.
  2. If the spark is good, continue engine cranking while moving coil wire away from ground and look for arcing at the coil tower (between coil terminals). If arcing occurs, replace coil.
  3. If spark is weak or not constant, or if there is no spark, proceed to "Failure to Start Test."
  4. If spark is good and there is no arcing at coil tower, ignition system is producing necessary high secondary voltage. Make sure this spark is getting to plugs by checking distributor rotor, cap, spark plugs, and plug wires.
  5. If all this checks out okay, but engine still will not start, the ignition system is not the problem. It will be necessary to check fuel system and engine mechanical items.
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