<VV> 64 Spyder spark problem

[Hugo Miller]

First thing I would do is get a small screwdriver & flick it across the 
points. Use it to open the points and to bridge across them. Try it in 
different positions. You should get a small spark at the points (best 
not to do it in bright sunlight!), and a big spark from the end of the 
HT lead, which should jump 1/2" or something like it. If you get a small 
spark at the points but none at the HT lead, swap the coil. If you get a 
nice fat spark from the HT lead, but none at the plug, you are looking 
at the rotor arm or possibly distributor cap. If you get no spark across 
the points, check the feed to the coil. Try a jumper cable from the 
battery. If you get a spark when you bridge across the points whatever 
position they are in (open or closed), you have dirty points. If you get 
a very weak spark from the HT lead, swap the condenser. There really are 
not many things to go wrong on these old cars.

On 2019-06-10 03:31, FrankDuVal via VirtualVairs wrote:
> And if there is voltage at the + terminal of the coil (measured to
> engine ground) how much, and does it change as you open and close the
> points? Also does the voltage measured at the - terminal of the coil
> change as you open on close the points? You can open and close the
> points by a screwdriver (open them if closed, short them if open) or
> bumping the engine with the starter. DO not try turning the engine
> with a wrench while doing this test, just in case it starts!=-O
>
> I would have done the voltage measurement first, before changing any 
> parts.
>
> Frank DuVal
>
> On 6/9/2019 1:26 PM, Harry Yarnell (Verizon) via VirtualVairs wrote:
>> Does the rotor turn?
>> Do you have voltage at the + side of the coil?
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: VirtualVairs [mailto:virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org] On 
>> Behalf Of
>> SGLowell via VirtualVairs
>> Sent: Sunday, June 09, 2019 12:56 PM
>> To: virtualvairs at corvair.org
>> Cc: Scott Lowell
>> Subject: <VV> 64 Spyder spark problem
>>
>> All,
>>
>> Starter and lights work but I continue to get no spark (Pulled coil 
>> wire out
>> enough to see a spark arc.) on my son's 64 Spyder.
>>
>> So far we've:
>>
>> -          Replaced the Pertronix Igniter unit with old fashion 
>> points &
>> condenser. No Spark.
>>
>> -          Replaced the coil with a spare. No Spark
>>
>> -          Checked wire continuity of wire from Positive Coil 
>> Terminal to
>> 2-shared connector at firewall. OK
>>
>> -          Checked continuity of resistor wire from 2-shared 
>> connector
>> (Shared with Positive Coil Terminal) from firewall to 10-terminal 
>> connector
>> at Firewall. OK
>>
>> Our next check is the wires from the 2-shared connector to the 
>> starter. We
>> didn't disturb these wires so I have my doubts.
>>
>> Any suggestion on what we might do/check next would be greatly 
>> appreciated.
>> After the next check outlined above, I'm out of things I can think 
>> of to
>> check or try.
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Gary Lowell
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