71 CJ5 no spark PLEASE HELP!

Hi all,

Im at the end of my rope with ignition issues... Long story short, I just replaced my timing cover due to an oil leak where the timing cover bolts to the block around the oil pump, the install went great no issues. Upon final assembly i made an attempt to start my 225. i noticed the engine didn't crank over like it used to so i checked for spark at the # 1 plug and found i have none. I installed Pertronix a while back and the jeep ran fine before i took it apart. Ive got good voltage to the coil but from there im thinking it might be the distributor or possibly the pertronix gone bad. i cant get the coil wire to the distributor to spark while cranking over either. Another puzzling thing is i only get a slight spark when i turn the key from off to the on position. Im about ready to fire a bullet in the 225 and get my 231 going. I know there is a ton of knowledge on this site and i sure could use some. Thanks Scott

Also if there is anyone who lives in sacramento that would be willing lend a hand that would be great.

 

go back through and check distributor timing , when in doubt . I always pull valve cover and watch valves to reset timing , might be a tooth off or 180*
and with the oddfire plug wire only go on one way . I still run points . old school

 

Im sure my timing is at TDC on compression stroke. i still should have spark even if the timing is off (right)?

 

Is your distributor seated good, if its not seated you ain't gonna get squat for spark. Pull the cap and make sure it spins when the engine is turned over, ask me how I know this?

 

I know its seated, i've got the hold down clamp on snug to allow for timing when running. It does spin when cranking over. i honestly think the pertronix unit is bad.

 

I experienced a similar problem and it was a bad ballast resistor. It may not be your problem, but it is quick and easy to rule it out by putting a jumper wire across each end of the ballast resistor to see if it solves your problem. If it is bad, you won't be getting enough current to your coil to create a spark. Good luck!

 

Just tried the jumper across the ballast resistor and no luck.

 

how do i check for pulse on negative side?

 

If you have a dwell meter connect it (black to ground other to neg term on coil) and crank engine. Meter should be switched to volt and should pulse. If no meter then test light will work. Be sure that you have the wire from starter solenoid to pos term of coil connected as well as the ignition wire.

 

Originally he said he got a slight spark when turning the key to the on position. Could it possibly be maybe a resistance/bad connection at the switch? Just throwing that out there.

 

Don't shoot it!
I can stop by this Saturday if you still need some help. PM me for contact info.

Don

 

PM Sent Thanks Don