Dead end

**ponys55** · 10-09-2011, 07:38 PM

ok. So I switched my '55 Special from points to a Pertronix Ignitor. SO, she ran flawless. Then I took her to the Drive-In and left the ignition on by accident. She has not started since. I have switched the Pertronix to another one. Changed the coil, cap, rotor, ground wire inside distributor, and I'm still not getting any spark. I do have power coming out of the coil to distributor cap, and then who knows what the hell it's going from there. ANY help will do Gents.

**WildKitty** · 10-09-2011, 08:26 PM

did you check the ignition switch?

**Bob** · 10-09-2011, 08:42 PM

Do you have power with the ignition switch in both the run and start position? If so put the points distributor back in and try it.

**WildKitty** · 10-10-2011, 10:04 AM

That was going to be my next suggestion too Bob.

I had a similiar problem, caused by the horseshoe connector
on the ground wire in the dist straddling the lug on the points.

blamed it on my poor eyesight

**ponys55** · 10-10-2011, 01:52 PM

Guys, I forgot to add that the engine cranks and I do have power when I turn the ignition on. I just put brand new points and condenser back in and nothing. I'm ready to yank my hair out.

**telriv** · 10-10-2011, 02:21 PM

Check the ballast resistor on the firewall. Probably burned out by leaving the ignition on. If you can't find one quickly you can use the ballast resistor for the heater. Also on the firewall.

Tom T.

**ponys55** · 10-10-2011, 05:56 PM

Tom, I took that ballast resistor off when I re-wired the car. I've been wondering if I should put one back in.

**pmuller9** · 10-11-2011, 10:30 AM

Disconnect the negative coil wire (going to the distributor) and connect a short test wire to the negative coil terminal.

With the ignition switch on there should be 12 volts on the positive coil terminal.

With the ignition switch still on, tapping the test wire to ground (a nearby bolt on the engine)
should give you a spark at the coil when the test wire is released from ground.

Either hold the coil wire close 1/4 inch from ground or connect it to a spare spark plug and set the spark plug on the engine for ground to check for spark.