Ignition Problems-No Spark

[yotanewb]

Hi everyone,

So I've been working on my car for about a month now and it's been working off and on. But recently it completely stopped starting whatsoever. The spark plug wires aren't getting any spark. It happened about a week and a half ago and I've been working on the distributor but still can't get anything. It basically has had a problem with spark for a while, but was getting me around. Now it has nothing. The old ignition coil didn't seem to be testing right so I replaced it, but now the pick up coil isn't reading the right resistance. Would this keep electricity from getting to the plug cords? The ignitor seems to be testing right and I really hope that it is. I don't know much about the distributor but I know I don't have the $250 to replace it. If anyone has any tips for working on the distributor and getting these parts to work please fill me in. I need to get this car back on the road!

Thanks in advance!

[Petros]

all of the system componets need to be pretty much within spec for a spark to form. The pick-up coil triggers the ignitor, that generates the high voltage spark from the coil. Check all your contacts and your ground, also check the connector is making good contact.

I have several spare distributor assemblies that I got from a self service wrecking yard for cheap. I use them a as a diagnostic tool by just swapping out the complete distributor assembly, it replaces all the parts in one operation.

[yotanewb]

all of the system componets need to be pretty much within spec for a spark to form

That's what I was thinking, just hoping for something different. Where did you get your spare dizzy's? I live in Seattle so you may know of a few places I can get to. I've been looking around, but they're hard to find online and I'm not from around here so I don't know where they are. Also, about how much did you pay for them? I'm just trying to get an idea of the costs. I don't have a lot of money right now since I've been working on this car for over a month and I depend on it for my job!

Thanks again for the help.

[rer233]

distribtors from 4ac engines will interchange with our cars. i'd tell you where i get mine, but don't think it'll help much (i'm in MD.) i like to try to find late '80's chevy novas to scavenge -if i remember correctly, toyota had a recall and upgrade on the early 3a igniters and all the novas were produced after the change. only difference is the angles on the vacuum pot nipples- you'll have to lengthen the hoses some. i agree with petros- i keep a few spares (although most have bad diaphs.) in fact, whehever i go on a trip, i carry a spare dizzy and the tools to change it. as for cost, i think i've paid $30- 35 for them. cheap ins. good luck!

[Petros]

You are in luck, the Pick-N-Pull in Lynwood (on hwy 99) is not too far. They will charge you $1 for admission (bring your own tools) and go hunting. Interchangeable distributors cam in '83-87 tercels (any model), the same year corollas with the 4ac (some models had 4af or even 4age engines), and '86-88 (?) Chevy Nova and Geo Prism used the same 4ac engine.

There is another one in Arlington, about an hour north of you. They charge about $25 plus a $5 core charge, total about $30.

check it out here: http://www.picknpull.com/locations.aspx ... ail&ID=137

[yotanewb]

Sounds good. I'll check out the pick-n-pulls and see what I find. I'm pretty sure mine's been faulty for a while so I'm hoping it will solve a couple problems. $30 sounds much better than $250 for a new one. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks again!

[yotanewb]

And on that note, are there any other "emergency" parts I should look for while I'm there. I'm not looking to spend a ton of money, but if there is something I can find for cheap that might go out soon I think it'd be worth it. I know my EGR valve is bad. My TVSV is struggling. But other than that I'm just wondering if there are any other parts that commonly go bad in these cars. Like I know my stock carb is struggling at this point, but is it even worth it to get one from a pick-n-pull? From what I've read the stock carbs on these are pretty bad, but I don't really have the funds for a Weber install at this point...

Thoughts?...

[Petros]

A spare fuel pump is not a bad idea (though these are pretty reliable, it will leave you stranded if it fails). Carbs seldom fail in a way that leave you stranded, a rebuild is usually the way to go, but it is worth a look at the carbs in the cars in the wrecking yard. Sometimes you find one that is in good condition, you can tell if it was recently rebuilt if it is clean. There are lots of small parts than can go out, like the TVSV or the vac advance on the dist, but the distributor assembly is good to have as a spare. The starter and alternator are not bad to have as spares as well, though these are both pretty reliable, and with a stick shift, you will not be stranded if they should fail, you can get it home.