DeTomaso Mailing List: July 97, Message #129
     



From: "Zachary J. Lembo" <zlembo@voicenet.com>

Subject: No Spark

Date: Tue, 08 Jul 1997 17:39:30 -0400



I hope someone out there has some ideas, I am fresh out.

Since I performed a tune-up on my 72 Pre-L, I have had a problem with

the ignition. I have a Mallory Dual Point Model 2556701 distributor.

Replaced the plugs with Autolite double platinum 25's, new 8mm Moroso

sprialcore wires, new cap, new rotor, new points, new condenser. Had a

problem getting it running initially, turned out to be a bad condenser.

Put the

old on back on, and it ran great. Took it to Pocono over the 4th, it ran

strong

during the "lunchtime touring" sessions on the track. Drove the car over

400

miles over the weekend without a single problem. On the way back home

it started to miss and the idle went up to 1100RPM from 600. Got home

OK,

the next morning tried to move the car, and it would not start, turns

over fine

but no spark. Have tried a new condenser, have substituted a different

coil,

pulled the distributor, checked the point gap, and continuity, (no wires

touching

ground etc.) all are OK, checked the rotor and cap, they are OK. Still

no spark,

that is holding the coil wire close to ground while I turn over the

motor, there should be an arc right ?

I am frustrated by the fact that before the tune up the car ran well

with no

problems, gas mileage was bad, power was not up to par, the points were

worn

pretty well, and the plugs were dirty, hence the reason for the tune up.



I know I will figure this out, but this is frustrating and time

consuming.

Has anyone had a similar experience, anyone have any ideas ? The motor

is

a stock 351C, with a Holley 4bbl carb. The ignition is stock except for

the

distributor. It has the original ballast resistor, wiring, and coil as

far as I can tell.

Any suggestions, help would be appreciated. I feel like an idiot and

will

feel even more stupid when I figure this out, that's how you learn right

?

Thanks in advance, -Zack













==============================================================================