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Ron's reply reminded me of a simple field test for the coil and the points,
1:You start by removing the"-" wire at the coil, and the middle (from the coil) high tension lead in the dizzy cap. set the end of the high tension lead so it is a couple of mm from a known good ground. Turn ignition on and temporarily ground/unground the "-" terminal at the coil. you should get small sparks at the high tension lead end. If yes good coil and current. Go to step 2.
If no check to make sure you have "+" on the other terminal of the coil when ignition key is in the
position. If yes, bad coil, if no fix current supply to coil from ignition switch.
2: Now that you know you have good spark from the coil it's time to test the points. Leave the high tension lead where it was sparking to ground, and reattach the "-" wire to the coil, turn the engine over and observe the high tension lead for sparks. if yes go to step 3.
If no check to make sure coil is getting "+" when the starter is turning (if no fix even
temporarily)
If yes check points and associated wiring for ground faults broken wires connections, or none
opening/closing points due to misadjustment.
3:Good points and coil check the dizzy. Reattach high tension lead to center of dizzy cap and remove one of the spark plug leads from a spark plug. Jam a screwdriver up the spark plug lead and position the screwdriver where the shaft can jump to a known good ground (like in step 1). turn the engine over and observe sparks (4x slower than before but regular interval). If yes step 4.
If no, examine dizzy cap and rotor for corrossion and remove corrosion with emery paper or similar if they are damaged
replace.
4. Last chance for a simple solution clean and gap your plugs, if that doesn't work new plugs...if that doesn't work someone serious head scratching is required.
IMPORTANT NOTE: all of the above is only accurate if the high tension leads are clean and in good condition, bad leads while rend all of the testing invalid.
I like this system as it requires no more than a screw driver, and a bit of wire so it's a simple way to trouble shoot . BTW you can check for "+" at the terminal of the coil by putting a wire there and flicking it over a known good ground, sparks = "+".
Good Luck.
--
Patrick, '68 220, '92 Eurovan , '53 PD4104 (highway coach conversion).
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