Sorry for the delay responding...I had to take yesterday off and go watch the bulldogs take a bite out of TN...here's what I've got, I bought a new cable and ran the positive to the block, didn't change anything but I do feel better having it connected there. I have 6 volts across the dist. and batt post on the coil with the ignition switch on. I put a test light on the negative post and the dist. Side of the coil...it lights up, but when I open the points it stays lit. I tried to short the coil wire but nothing there. I've tried all this with the old coil and the new one. Do you think the coil is bad for sure? I appreciate everyone's help and look forward to your advice. Thanks!

 

Check continuity from the (-) post on the points (where wire and condenser connect) and the Dist or (-) post on the coil. I'd bet that wire is broken. Did you inspect it where it runs under the points plate?

 

If it stays lit on your test light with points open you have a short.

 

Posted a video on how I test for spark with a screwdriver. If you have no spark, I 3rd the coil to distributor wire theory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qizoiVzUodY

 

Thanks for the replies...the video was very helpful because I'm not getting that spark. Now checking for a short. Will let you know how it goes.

 

Good news everybody! I found a short in the wire from the coil to the distributor, it was on the part inside the distributor. I now have SPARK!! My truck has been sitting since 1975 and the starter works (after a little persuasion from my hammer) and the coil is working. I did change out the plugs, plug wires, points, condenser, rotor and cap. I have no doubts that I can get it started now. I want to thank everybody that replied...without your help I'd still be scratching my head.

 

Good job Bud. Theses trucks really are not any more complicated than an old lawn mower I don't think. Really simple but most peeps today try to over complicate them. I guess that's why I can't work on my rigs today with the EFI electronic stuff. I just over simplify it and end up smoking a lot of stuff I don't even now the name of. There is just too many places on the newer rigs ya don't want to stick a screwdriver to see if ya got juice. All kinds of stuff lights up and smokes. Than ya sell it and some kid tows it off.

Good for you Bud.

 

You're most welcome. Glad you got it figured out.

 

I had a similar problem with the little ground wire inside the distributor shorting out and overheating the coil. Glad you got it fixed!