Please, anyone: how does one *properly* test the Hall sensor in a 1987 245?

1. We DID try -- followed Bentley -- but it was getting too cold, and too dark, and my buddy Shirley and I were too tired to think straight as we were ending the 2 pages of tests in Bentley's for getting spark from her 1987 245.

2. MISTAKE? It dawned on me as we warmed up later inside the house that Bentley's had asked us to jumper 2 pins ("A-B") in the 3-pin Bosch connector to the in-distributor Hall sensor, and yet they provided NO PATH for the spark to get to the spark plug they suggested we watch. (Sorry! I can't remember right, and my Bentley's is at Shirley's house, so I can't quote it.)

3. Question: How in the world is a charge supposed to get from the COIL to a SPARK PLUG when the distributor cap is off?! Doh!

Or were we confused, and should have used the coil lead (TO the distributor) to check for spark?

I suppose that's it. Wish they would rewrite that section.

Feeling stupid.

I am at the stage where I would gladly put $70 toward a Hall sensor, test or not. Weary.

While Shirley is fearing the worst... ECU, and she's pretty tired of caring for her rustbucket.

Thank you, generous Brickboarders! I appreciate it.
--
Gregg; Mpls, MN; 1987 745, 1967 Amazon 4-dr.