So I finally got stranded enough times by my ancient external regulator that I picked up a 12SI alternator and did the conversion from external to internal regulator per this diagram: http://www.wallaceracing.com/alt-conversion.html

Basically, bypass the external regulator, use the old resistor wire as the trigger for the new regulator, if I understood it correctly. Seemed pretty straightforward.

Problem is, since the conversion I don't seem to be getting any spark. Any advice on where to check next? I didn't think the regulator circuit was directly related to the coil, but I could have crossed some wires and fried something I suppose. Could a bad alternator take out the spark?

Thanks.

 

Is this basically what you did?

 

Yep, that's it. I've also tried the other version where terminal '2' on the alternator is hooked directly to the battery terminal, same result.

I'm about to go check my coil voltage, I'll post that in a minute.

 

Well, turns out I'm just stupid. Been doing all of this with the air cleaner attached. Took that off and saw that my accelerator pump linkage was broken, so I thumbed that a couple of times and off she went.

So advice for next time: make sure the spark plug you're using to test spark with actually works. maybe it's time for me to buy a light.

Thanks for your help, sorry for wasting your time.