1961 Chevy Truck Start problems.

1961 CHEVROLET TRUCK
70,550 MILES • V8 • 2WD • MANUAL
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JBOISVERT
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I have a 1961 Chevy Fleetside pickup that I have refurbished and have always had a hard time starting it. It will go a long time starting fine, but then run rough and then won't start. It is in that mode now. It cranks, but there is no spark. I replaced the ignition coil and still won't start. Using a voltmeter the needle jumps all the way over when touching the pos and neg terminals. The needle only goes below 10 on the ohm readout when touching the pos or neg to the center. But there is no movement of the needle when I touch the center of the coil and the center of the distributor. All of this is done with the key in the start position. Could I have a bad resistor? I checked it and the coil inside is fine. I bench checked the starter and it is fine. Where should I try next? Any advice would be appreciated.[img:cdf8078077]http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/85954_Side_of_truck_1.jpg[/img:cdf8078077]
Oct 27, 2008 at 4:38 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Do you have the OEM distributor-if so you might want to regap the contact points. At the coil positive terminal check the amount of voltage present-should read atleast 9volts or higher if the resistance wire in place-

Again I need to know what type of ignition system-contact point/HEI ?????????
Oct 27, 2008 at 4:58 AM
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JBOISVERT
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I have a points system with condensor. I have set the points to .016 as that is what is recommended.
Oct 27, 2008 at 5:27 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Do you have power at the coil positive terminal and what is the voltage-if so disconnect the coil wire at the distributor and ground it crank engine over do you have spark-If not double check the contact point and adjustment.

Might want to check the new coil primary and secondary windings resistances
Oct 27, 2008 at 5:33 AM
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JBOISVERT
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I have tried evrything as you advised in your last reply. Still no spark. Cranks, but no luck! Should I invest in an electronic ignition system? Where else could be the problem?

Thanks!
Oct 28, 2008 at 6:13 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Do this take a jumper wire hook it up at the coil positive terminal other end to the battery positive terminal-disconnect the coil wire at the distributor and ground it to the engine now have helper crank engine over-if you have spark-inspect the cap and rotor-it has to go thru it before it gets to the plugs-
Oct 28, 2008 at 2:31 PM
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JBOISVERT
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I purchased a new rotor and distributor cap. Checked voltage on the resistor, needle jumped way up there.
Same with positive to negative of the coil, and the coil wire to the distributor. Still cranks, no start. What is next?
Oct 29, 2008 at 7:48 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Checked voltage on the resistor, needle jumped way up there.

What is the voltage? If you got power going to the coil and its good-cap and rotor checks out-point gap is on specs-Make sure when cranking engine over that the rotor is turning-Is it

Also when you gapped the contact point did you put it on the high side of the cam lobe-
Oct 29, 2008 at 12:25 PM
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