Swapped points/cond/rotor/cap and coil-won't start.

[Cityhix]

Hello All,

I've been going through my cooling system. Rebuilt raw water pump, had heat exchanger serviced, fresh water pump inspected and reassembled, new hoses, new expansion tank.

Since I had good access to the distributor, I decided to change points, condenser, rotor and cap. I did not adjust the timing. I simply matched the existing points gap. I also had a new coil in waiting and decided to change that as well. I now have no spark. One possible factor, during the disassembly, I failed to shut off the main switch and shorted something while removing the alternator. I'm not aware of any fuses that I should be checking (unless in line at the battery bank, will check next visit). Any thoughts?

Also, tips on purging air out of the freshwater side?

Thanks,

cityhix

[Marian Claire]

Purging. If the system is cold just remove the fill cap on the HX and start the engine. You can see the level, air will escape and you can add coolant as needed. Do not open this cap with the system hot.
No spark. If "I failed to shut off the main switch and shorted something while removing the alternator." means that you left the coil energized without the engine running you may have fried the coil.
Dan S/V Marian Claire

[Easy Rider]

If you still have your old coil and if it was working before you swapped it out then try reinstalling the old coil and see if you get spark. It would it least narrow down the problem.

[Peter]

Hi,

I would suggest it is time to get a volt meter out.

Turn on the ignition and measure the voltage between the coil + and ground.

Do not leave ignition turned on for a long time.

If you have 12ish volts there then problem is in coil/points/rotor

if not, head back to the panel and look for power there.

Hope that helps,

Peter

[ndutton]

Many questions:

• Did you remove the distributor at any time during this work?
• Did you set the points gap at the peak of the distributor cam?
• Do the points open and close as the engine rotates?
• Voltage measurements as Peter suggests

[Cityhix]

Thanks all. I've been buried in work for the last couple of days and heading back to do some digging today.