The distributor on my 240 engine is not working properly, the spark from the coil into the cap is there, and checks out okay with the timing light. However, the timing light shows no spark from the cap to any of the spark plugs, and I just put in a brand new cap, rotor, and plug wires.

 

Did you check the points?

 

Yep, also replaced the points and condenser.

 

Did you check the contacts or rotor for marks to see if the spark is leaving the rotor? It sounds like the problem is either the cap or rotor.

 

I don't mean to call you dumb, but I have made some humdingers in my time. You did adjust the points to .025 when they were on the flat spot? Not the high spot? The guys I bought my truck from did this, and was baffled as to why the truck didn't run. Then again he also hooked the + battery cable to the block and the - to the solenoid. I just always figure check the dumb stuff, and then the hard stuff.

 

If you have spark any where your points are opening and closing. Only you will know if the gap is correct. I dealt with this just today in my shop. An older car with a lot of miles wouldn't start. Pulling the coil wire off the dist. showed good spark to ground but no spark jump to the dist. center terminal. Cap & rotor looked good. We found plugs that hadn't been changed in 100k miles, huge gap and they were fuel soaked. There HAS to be a ground at the end of an electrical circuit! I suggest you check your plugs and wires.

 

Inside the dizzy is a 2" 'breaker ground' wire. The original was bare braided wire, the later replacement has a rubber coating on it.

Most ppl replace points and condenser, but not the ground wire. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it's broken...especially if it's the braided type that hasn't been used since 1972.