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Spark Test

  1. Remove distributor cap, and position reluctor with one tooth on each side of the pick-up coil pole piece. See Fig 1. Remove the high tension lead from the distributor cap, and turn the ignition on.
  2. Hold the high tension lead with a pair of electrician's pliers about 1/4" from a good ground. The ground should be as far from the coil and amplifier assembly as possible.
  3. Alternately pass the blade of a magnetized screwdriver back and forth over the pick-up coil pole piece. A spark should occur at gap each time screwdriver passes pole piece.
  4. If no spark occurs, suspect the magnetic pick-up coil, ignition coil or amplifier module. If spark occurs, but engine does not perform properly, check distributor cap, rotor, high tension cables and battery condition.
Fig 1: Reluctor Position When Making Sparking Test Pass magnetized screwdriver blade back and forth over pick-up coil pole piece.
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