weak spark

[p24-1953]

I have been blessed with 2 years of trouble free running, but today the old gal wouldn't start. It turns over fine but never fires. I pulled the wire from the coil to the distributor and have a week spark. Less than 1/16" what could be the cause of this? The battery is fully charged, and it cranks at normal speed so I dont think its a charging or ground issue. Of course the last car show of the year is tommorow , so I got one night to solve this. It ran fine two weeks ago....

[ChrisRice]

My guess would be a weak coil. It's a good and cheap place to start.

Edited August 15, 2014 by ChrisRice

[Oldguy48]

Certainly could be a faulty coil, but I think I'd try replacing the condenser first, along with checking the point gap. And look over the rotor while you're at it.

Wayne

Edited August 15, 2014 by Oldguy48

[Don Coatney]

Got gas?

[p24-1953]

Would the condensor cause a week spark at the coil?

Yep I got gas. It wont even fire with starting fluid.

Edited August 16, 2014 by p24-1953

[Oldguy48]

The condenser is connected across the breaker points in the distributor. When the points open, the magnetic field in the coil collapses, and produces high voltage in the coil's secondary winding. Since the condenser is connected directly to the points, a faulty one could affect the high voltage that the coil produces. Other than being a bit difficult to change (if you wear bifocals like I do), it's worth a try. And I don't think the condenser has to be specific to your vehicle. A condenser from any points equipped car should work. Good luck.

Wayne

[TrampSteer]

I definitely say its the condenser. Had that happen out of the blue on my college car once.

[Niel Hoback]

If you have been driving for two years without looking in your distributor, you probably need a set of points at the least. You really should do a tune-up from the points, condenser rotor and cap with a check of the plugs, cleaning and gapping at least.

[Don Coatney]

I agree with Niel. At minimum clean and gap your points.