Run a lead from the + side of the battery to the 'Batt' side of the coil. Run a lead from the "Tach' side. Insert a Philips screwdriver in the distributor cap side of the coil wire and hold it about a quarter inch from ground. Touch the ground lead to ground and release it. You should see a spark. If not, replace the coil. If you get a spark, make sure there is power to the ciol with the key in the "Run" position. If you have power, replace the points and condenser and check the cam at the base of the distributor shaft under the cap and rotor. Make sure the rotor is turning when you crank the motor. If not, pull the distributor and check the gear at the base and check to see if the shaft is broken by trying to turn the bottom one way and the top the other. If the gear at the bottom of the distributor looks worn out, shine a light in the hole and check the condition of the cam distributor drive gear. If the drive gear is worn, you will need to replace or recondition the cam. Have someone crank the engine while you watch to see if the drive gear is turning. If not, the timing chain is most likely broken.

Answered by rivermikerat (expert)
5,494 answers provided