Tracking down the spark

S

If you get a good spark at the plug then you’ve got a mechanical problem someplace (distributor shaft is not turning, point gap is way out, distributor shaft/bushing is worn so the points are not opening at the right time, etc)

But if you get no spark at the plug but a spark at the points, look for a bad coil or condenser.

Good luck, and Merry Christmas from upstate NY - where yesterday’s high was a positively balmy 5 deg F!

When you say, "I can flick the points with a screwdriver and get spark", I assume you mean that you are getting spark at the plug wires?

So, it sould only be a few things left to check. Points set correctly? Plugs good? Is the distributor shaft actually turning?

If this is not what you meant and you are only getting primary "spark" at the points, you could have a bad coil, coil wire, rotor, distributor cap or plug wires.

Hope ya get 'er,

Allan

Stick a spark plug wire in the coil and lay the plug where you can watch it when cranking. Make sure you have a good plug. Sometimes they will go bad just sitting with humidity.

If all else fails, take all the plugs out and you can crank the engine with the fan blade while you watch the action.

Good luck.