Hello Tom,

Your coil is probably bad.

The easiest way to test is to get a known good used 12 volt coil or a new one,(you can use a 9 volt coil, but you have to also have a ballast resisitor to lower the voltage to the 9 volt coil).

A VW coil from an old Bug will work as a test unit.

You will have to use jumper wires for testing.

Hook up the "+" coil connection to the battery.

Connect the "-" to the "dizzy" wire.

And of course, plug the large coil wire into the tower.

To stop the engine if it runs this way, you should pull the "+" to the battery.

Now if this fixes the problem, you next worry is how to replace the coil because if it is the origianl style of coil where the ignition switch is part of the coil assembly, you will need to find good used or pay alot for a new one as they are still available.

Eric
Hi Performance Auto Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90501