Hello all,
I have a '78 Ford that I just acquired. It seemed like it was going to be an easy fix (it still possibly is), but I can't find what's going on. So, engine is not firing up. The guy I got it from (friend) put several new parts in it.

Plugs & Wires
Distributor Cap and magnetic pick up
Ignition Coil
Ignition Cylinder

Once I got it off of him, first thing I did was check the battery, connections from the new parts, fuses, continuity check from coil to ignition cylinder and to ignition module, I checked each pin on the new ignition cylinder, and re-timed it the best I could without the truck actually being fired up. I figured, what the heck, the ignition module is about the only thing he didn't change, I'll just go get one...That didn't work. I reinstalled the old coil just to see if it would do any different, it did not. I hooked up my little spark tester between the coil and the distributor (I tried between each plug too) and not much came up. When I turn the ignition to the "on" position a quick weak blink happens. When turned to the "start" position, an even weaker blink may or may not happen for the first turn, then nothing as far as spark.

I know it's possible that some of these parts could have been purchased bad from the part store. So, I am asking, how should I go about this now? And how do I check functionality of the ignition control module?

Thank you!

 

Check your wires that go to your coil. I had a similar problem; weak, no spark.

Ended up being the green wire going to the coil had broken so I fixed that and it started right up!

 

^+1. I had a very similar issue that caused intermittent spark. Problem turned out to be with the factory 'cap' on the coil that holds +ve and -ve wires in place. It was loose and dirty. You can either clean it, or just chop it and put on new female blade connectors.

 

I finally have to to go out and work on the truck. I think I am going to run a new wire from the ignition cylinder and a new one from the ignition control module. We'll see what happens!

 

OK, I put in the new wires and still a no go. Any thoughts?

 

So...I work excessively so I don't have much time to work on my truck. But I found some time this weekend (primarily today) to get to it.

I did some electrical diagnostic on it and found the "New" ignition pick up inside the distributor was bad. I found this out by checking the two top prongs for continuity. They were constant at all times at which it should never be. It should only have continuity in pulses. SO, I changed it out and put it back together and tested with both the multi-meter then with a spark tester, both checked out good. Unfortunately I now have a new problem. I can't get the distributor to sit properly but I will address this in a new thread.

If you came across this because you're having the same problem, never assume a new part is always good or operational. TEST IT!