Assuming this engine has points, if you are measuring across the coil, you
will not get an accurate reading.

The + side of the coil should be hot when the ignition is on, but only when
measured to ground...NOT the - side of the coil.

The - side of the coil is connected to the points. When the points are
"open" the coil is being saturated. When the points close, the field
collapses, and make the voltage (spark).

A shorted condenser will render an ignition system useless. An open
condenser, will cause huge arcing on the point face, and can wipe out a set
of points in minutes.

Also, some models had a ballast resistor running from the primary side of
the starter, to the coil. This was used to keep the current down across the
points, during cranking.

I have always replaced my "point distributors" in all my boats, to
"pointless" electronic units...you might want to consider the same...your GM
would take an HEI replacement unit, and it is a simple swap. The coil pack
is incorporated in the distributor cap, and it is a simple two wire hook up.
One lead is + voltage from the ignition key, and the other is tach pulse (if
used).

Hope this helps some, good luck.

--
-Netsock

"It's just about going fast...that's all..."
http://home.insight.rr.com/cgreen/

Bingo -- replaced the condincer and we got fire. still a little
slugis, so i drained the tank and droped fresh midgrade and then
changed the plugs
she is running great
taking her out tomorrow
Thanks
JAW


"Netsock" wrote in message ...
Assuming this engine has points, if you are measuring across the coil, you
will not get an accurate reading.

The + side of the coil should be hot when the ignition is on, but only when
measured to ground...NOT the - side of the coil.

The - side of the coil is connected to the points. When the points are
"open" the coil is being saturated. When the points close, the field
collapses, and make the voltage (spark).

A shorted condenser will render an ignition system useless. An open
condenser, will cause huge arcing on the point face, and can wipe out a set
of points in minutes.

Also, some models had a ballast resistor running from the primary side of
the starter, to the coil. This was used to keep the current down across the
points, during cranking.

I have always replaced my "point distributors" in all my boats, to
"pointless" electronic units...you might want to consider the same...your GM
would take an HEI replacement unit, and it is a simple swap. The coil pack
is incorporated in the distributor cap, and it is a simple two wire hook up.
One lead is + voltage from the ignition key, and the other is tach pulse (if
used).

Hope this helps some, good luck.

On 24 Jul 2004 21:43:06 -0700, (jason) wrote:
Bingo -- replaced the condincer and we got fire. still a little
slugis, so i drained the tank and droped fresh midgrade and then
changed the plugs
she is running great
taking her out tomorrow
Thanks
JAW
=========================

If the condenser was bad, good chance the points need to be replaced
also. Check your timing when you're done with that.

Glad I could help, but Wayne is right...you should ALWAYS replace the
condenser when replacing the points, and vive versa.

--
-Netsock

"It's just about going fast...that's all..."
http://home.insight.rr.com/cgreen/
"jason" wrote in message
...
Bingo -- replaced the condincer and we got fire. still a little
slugis, so i drained the tank and droped fresh midgrade and then
changed the plugs
she is running great
taking her out tomorrow
Thanks
JAW

"Netsock" wrote in message
...


The - side of the coil is connected to the points. When the points are
"open" the coil is being saturated. When the points close, the field
collapses, and make the voltage (spark).

You have this backwards....

When the points close current is allowed to flow, but current builds slowly.
At low RPMs the current will reach some maximum level deteremined by the
voltage and resistance of the coil.

When the points open the current path is altered. A basic principle of a
coil is that it is impossible for the current to change instantaneously, it
has to go someplace. As the points first start to open it will divert into
the condensor, which gives the points time to open far enough that the spark
won't jump the points. The VERY rapid rise in voltage across the condenser
is also coupled via a transformer action to the "secondary" winding which
generates the spark voltage.


Rod

"Rod McInnis" wrote in message
...

"Netsock" wrote in message
...


The - side of the coil is connected to the points. When the points are
"open" the coil is being saturated. When the points close, the field
collapses, and make the voltage (spark).

You have this backwards....

Oops! You're right. I must have had dyslexic word typing!

--
-Netsock

"It's just about going fast...that's all..."
http://home.insight.rr.com/cgreen/