Re: unable to start car after changing points/rotortcondenser/cap

Posted by fred kanter On 2011/5/15 2:47:14

The most important thing is to DIAGNOSE the problem in a logical manner, start from the beginning. Check to see you have voltage at the coil when the ignition switch is turned on. If not, check coil connection/ign switch. Next, with the points in position where they are closed, opoen them with ascrewdriver blade and see if you observe a spark across the points ( cannot do in bright sunlight).

No spark cna be from broken flex wire or film on points, USE a point file,scrape with pocket knife, NOT sandpaper etc.. Also from wire from dist to coil broken or disconnected.

If all is OK so far, then problem is most likely in the cap/rotor. I forgot is it is Delco or A/L, these are general directions.

If rotor has carbon resistance unit in it, it can be missing or broken even on a new one. If the cap has a central carbon button, is it there? A/L is spring loaded, Delco is fixed.

Check that coil to distributor high tension wire is fully plugged into each unit.

A car is a logical being and likes to be treated as such.