How do I hotwire the coil to see if it is working properly? This is a 6 volt positive ground, can I run a wire from the battery post on the coil to the negative post on the battery to hot wire it and see if the coil will work that way. My problem is absolutly no spark on any plug.

 

Yes, that will do it.

 

Ok. I did that and I have a brand new coil in with no spark at all. Any suggestions?

 

New points, condensor, rotor and cap. gap needs to be the thickness of a match book. I know there is a thousandths of an in gap... but Ive always used a matchbook (old timer showed me that trick.
Also take a screwdriver once done and open and close the points. If you get sparking, it is good.

 

Great that helps a lot. Will try that and let you know how it goes.

 

Also make sure your plugs are clean. Scrape em off with a screwdriver.

 

If your points are clean and properly gapped, and you have fire there, but none at the plugs, it may be your condenser, even though its new.

 

I installed all new ignition parts and still not getting a spark. There is power there but when I open and close the points there's no spark. I'm open for suggestions!! I also would like to know if it makes a difference where the positive cable is connected. The old one connected to the engine block. I ordered a new one and it was only about 8 or 9 inches long, so I could only connect it to the frame. Help!!

 

A new coil can easily be dead also, has happened to me.

 

Is there anyway to test the coil? Does autozone or someone like that have the ability to test it? Thanks!!

 

One wire goes from the ignition to the coil. The other goes inside the distributor and connects to the points.
To test the coil, take out the center wire and short it to ground or use a screwdriver and watch for spark.

 

You have power to the points?

How much voltage do you have at the coil?

Have you checked the ground wire it is a bradded wire with out insulation?

If you are Pos. ground take a test light and go from the Neg. to the bradded wire and see if you have a ground?

If you have a test light. Go to the distributer side of the coil see if the light goes on and off when the points are opened and closed. If it goes on and of your points are working.

Let us know you progress.

 

The wire that goes from the coil to the points is frequently rubbed bare and shorted where it runs underneath the points plate. You can pull it out by disconnecting it from the points, and pulling the rubber grommet out of the body of the distributor. Easiest with the distributor out of the truck.

 

X2 with Ross on the Dizzy wire being bad.

 

The cable really should be connected to the engine, but if you can, put one from the frame to a bellhousing bolt.