Ciao Guys - curious how you all diagnosis a crank no start issue when you are a lone wolf. I have no one to assist me, so am having trouble identifying if I am get spark at the plugs. Car was running fine, when I decided to do some radiator and body modifications (i.e.- nothing mechanical). Now, it won’t start. Battery is good, and when I look down carb, I see gas - so I am presuming it’s not a fueling issue. I have a MSD blaster coil and an MSD distributor. I am getting 12 volts at the distributor terminals. Being all by myself, I am trying to figure out a way to check for spark at the plugs, I messed with it for quite a while today, but just could not figure out a way to check for spark…. Anyone ever go through this ?

 

You need to get a helper or invest in a remote switch.

Pat

 

One option to check if it’s a fuel or spark issue is spray starting fluid into the carb then see if it fires, even momentarily. If it doesn't it’s likely a spark issue

 

yea - i was thinking of getting a remote start switch. I’m wondering if there is a way to test the coil or the module of the MDS.

 

I tried pouring a bit of gas directly in the carb and nothing different happened. Is starting fluid any different? I usually have so,me in my shop but couldn’t find it.

 

I don’t think it would be any different. I mentioned the starting fluid just as a method of bypassing the fuel delivery system, but what you did is a similar check.

 

You should be able to disconnect the longest spark plug cable from the spark plug and route it to the base of the windshield. Attach a spark tester or hold the terminal close to ground while reaching inside the vehicle to crank the engine.

 

1. Plug a timing light in between spark plug wire and spark plug.
2. Tape the trigger switch down.
3. Lay the timing light on the air cleaner or cowl pointing toward the driver.
4. Get in the driver's seat and crank the engine. If the timing light doesn't "blink" while cranking, you don't have spark. Try it on any plug wire you choose.

 

You stated:

How many years ago was this "..car was running fine..."?

If car was running fine prior to radiator & body mods, I'd be looking at what has changed. I suspect you may have removed, altered, failed to reconnect "something".
Two circuits: a) Starting circuit; b) Ignition circuit. Both require a sold ground connection. Did you remove/replace the radiator shroud/post ground cable? Did you remove/replace the block ground cable? Did you remove/replace the engine-to-firewall ground strap cable? With GM you get the massive battery to starter (+) power cable w/ starter grounded (-) to frame (starting circuit); yet, you may have lost ground in the ignition circuit. Double-check your ground cables. It costs nothing.

 

bout maybe 3 weeks - yeah, I ws thinking this too. I did double check them, but I'll double check again.

 

thats a cool idea - had not thought of that... i believe my timing gun has a trigger lock on it.

 

I just purchased a remote start - where you connect the leads to? I don't have to climb under car to connect to purple solenoid wire do I ? I was looking at a wiring diagram trying to figure out where on the top side I could access a connection.

 

Depends....if you go under the car. Good luck.

Read this thread (first): Remote Starter Switch instructions and pay close attention to Posts #9 & #10.

At this point you might be asking why you bought that remote start device (I know).

As I (already) mentioned IGN circuit & START circuit. Realize the ignition circuit requires a ground from the distributor. You make no mention of noodling w/ wiring, but ensure you have NOT lost (disconnected or otherwise) the distributor ground cable. Also, ensure you have the wires correctly configured to the IGN coil. Hard to assist from a desktop arm chair, but do realize there are two circuits: (1) Start circuit & (2) IGN circuit. Again, you don't mention disconnecting wiring, but 'sumpin changed in the past three weeks. Double-check your wiring if you disconnected any wires.

 

Thank you everyone. Turns out a rat ate the ground wire on the MSD distributor. AQ little challenging to find because the wire was under the distributor and difficult to see where it was nibbled. Did a quick repair and now car starts fine…. Will order a new one this week.

 

Loss of ground in the ignition circuit.