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Old 08-11-2020, 12:00 PM   #1
Tom's36coupe
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Default Won't start, no spark

Trying to get my 36 running this morning but no luck. It has a Mallory 12v crab distributor electronic with a mallory power cell, balast resistor and starter solenoid. It worked fine 7 years ago when I pulled the motor for paint job. When cranking it has 10+ volts at the coil but no spark at the plugs. Bubbas did a great tune up for me back then, might need to go in for some help! Any thing else I am missing before that?
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Old 08-11-2020, 12:08 PM   #2
rbone
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Default Re: Won't start, no spark

I would start by cleaning the points and making sure they are not shorted out to the distributor housing. Also need to check the primary and secondary resistance on the coil. Let us know what you find and we can go from there.
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Old 08-11-2020, 12:11 PM   #3
Tom's36coupe
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Default Re: Won't start, no spark

Voltage at coil with ignition on was about 5, when cranking went to 10+ It a Mallory electronic model.
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Old 08-11-2020, 12:52 PM   #4
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Default Re: Won't start, no spark

When an Electronic ignition quits working abruptly, it's usually because the module has failed. That's why we like points here; at least they'll tell you when they're going bad, and you can limp home.

I think the car manufacturers have electronic ignitions pretty well figured out, the aftermarket, not so much.
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Old 08-12-2020, 12:44 PM   #5
Tom's36coupe
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Default Re: Won't start, no spark

Checked with Mallory and they have a tech video that has a guy testing the negative side of coil for voltage. Said it should have 6-12, mine has 1.5. The positive side on mine has 12 volts though when ignition is on. According to them my coil sounds like its dead?
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Old 08-12-2020, 12:53 PM   #6
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Default Re: Won't start, no spark

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Since it's 12 volts, I assume you have negative ground. Swap out the coil; it's not that difficult to do and not expensive. My money's still on the module.
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Old 08-12-2020, 02:04 PM   #7
Tom's36coupe
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Default Re: Won't start, no spark

New coil on the way....fingers crossed....module will be next if no action.
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Old 08-12-2020, 02:07 PM   #8
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Default Re: Won't start, no spark

Go back to original and you won't have nearly as many problems.
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