testing the coil

[49chevy3800]

On the 49 i am trying to get the truck started after 20 years. I have rebuild the brakes, Rebuilt the water pump, So on and so forth. Now, Im not getitng spark, So i want to test the coil to make sure it is still good. I test light the pos. wire and it lights up on the frame but wont light up when touching the neg wire for the cloil. Remember that the coil is out of the truck. Is the distributor bad or am I doing this wrong. I also know im supose to ohms test the coil. How and what are my readings going to be? PLEASE HELP! thanks

[71Shark]

I just started mine after sitting for 15 years. I was getting 12 volts to and through the coil and on to the dist. I replaced the coil, points and condensor for about $30 and she fired off. make sure power is getting through the ceramic block on the firewall. (check out the "she won't fire thread")

[55dude]

it is really easy to troubleshoot a points ignition system, find you a chilton's or hayne's manual and in the back of it it will tell you how to test your coil. a condenser is usually the culprit when you have no spark because when they fail they leave the system in a open state.

[dwcsr]

coil testing 101

connect the pos to battery, place tounge on the coil wire. touch the neg coil stud to ground. If your eyes roll back in your head like a shark eating a tuna its good. If you remember that you tested the coil that way its no good.

Yes I'm bored at work

[VetteVet]

Here's a good website to help troubleshoot a points ignition.

http://abbysenior.com/mechanics/ignition.htm