Author Topic: Won't Start!  (Read 327 times)

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Offline nailr65

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Won't Start!
« on: May 01, 2018, 07:02:36 PM »
Firing it up for the first time this season, and it won't start.  It has good cranking power and  its getting fuel.  I have no spark from the coil wire when it's turned over.  The coil tested fine I believe.  Any advice would be appreciated. 

Thanks Dave
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Offline schlepcar

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Re: Won't Start!
« Reply #1 on: May 01, 2018, 08:26:11 PM »
Try pulling off the cap and opening the points and sanding them clean with some sandpaper or a fine file. You should actually see a fine spark while cranking with the cap off. If they are not sparking check gap and power to the coil while cranking.

Offline nailr65

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Re: Won't Start!
« Reply #2 on: May 01, 2018, 08:40:29 PM »
I installed petronix a few years back.  Any other suggestions? 
Thank you for the reply
now wouldn't you rather have a Buick

65' GS vert, 4 speed

Offline Loren At 65GS

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Re: Won't Start!
« Reply #3 on: May 01, 2018, 09:26:01 PM »
Do you have power to the coil when cranking over ?

You can have power to the coil in run position but no power to the coil in crank position.

 Loren
65 GS hardtop BCA Senior
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 65 Skylark coupe v-6
 65 GS hardtop restoration project
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Offline nailr65

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Re: Won't Start!
« Reply #4 on: May 01, 2018, 09:44:50 PM »
Thank you for the reply Loren.  How do I go about testing if I a have power to the coil during cranking?  Could this be an issue with the ignition key?
now wouldn't you rather have a Buick

65' GS vert, 4 speed

Offline Loren At 65GS

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Re: Won't Start!
« Reply #5 on: May 01, 2018, 10:52:10 PM »

nailr65,

 A 12 volt test lamp is your best friend.

Connect one end of the test lamp to the battery side [ + ] of the coil. Connect the other end of the test lamp to ground.  Turn the ignition switch to run position, the lamp should light. Next, turn the ignition switch to crank, the test lamp should still be lit. This will tell you that the electrical circuit is good or not.

 Loren
65 GS hardtop BCA Senior
 65 GS thin pillar coupe
 65 Skylark coupe v-6
 65 GS hardtop restoration project
 65 Sport Wagon
 70 GS 455 htp / original engine
 94 Roadmaster wagon
 96 Roadmaster wagon- parts car
 63 Riviera

 BCA 14371
 BCA 65 Gran Sport Division

Offline nailr65

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Re: Won't Start!
« Reply #6 on: May 02, 2018, 04:53:49 AM »
My apologize for the 100 questions but I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to electrical.  If it proves to be one or the other what would be the fix?  Thanks again
now wouldn't you rather have a Buick

65' GS vert, 4 speed

Offline Buick_65

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Re: Won't Start!
« Reply #7 on: May 02, 2018, 09:33:37 AM »
Pertronix may have failed.  it happens.  If your coil tests check out that would be the next thing to look at.