Mk1 doesn't get spark! HELP!

[5teve]

Hey guys I've been trying to play around with this for a few days now and It seems like I need some advise!
I've brought a bosh GT40 with no resistor as the diesel loom doesn't need a resistor, straight 12v, and I've basically brought a new points mechinism, rotor button and distruibter cap to ensure it will work more effectively.
I've wired up the coil (from ignition to +, - to dizzy) and everytime I cranked it the motor won't start! I've made sure its TDC and first piston is on top and I've checked the coil if there is 12v going into it and there is, it is and also sending out 12 v to the distruibter but when I take out the 1st spark plug lead and crank to see if there's any spark it's just dead! Doesn't sent out spark at all! I've also ran a temporarily wire from starter to + on ignition coil, earth to - and still won't spark up!

[willwho]

I've basically brought a new points mechinism, rotor button and distruibter cap to ensure it will work more effectively.

Condenser? I had a similar problem with that diagnosis, and the pesky $10 condenser was the problem in the end. Does it sometimes try and start after you kill ignition? If so that'll definitely be it!

[5teve]

I've also replaced the coil and there's no sign of spark from the lead running to the centre of the distruibter cap

[aprr32]

Make sure the points are clean,I've had new ones with a little oil on them and no spark.With ignition on use a screwdriver to open the points and see if it sparks a little across the faces.

[5teve]

I've cleaned the points and also brought and put the new condenser in and the thing that's for me wondering is that if I put the voltmeter on positive on the ignition coil it the voltmeter lights up which should be normal! And if I put it on negative on the ignition coil it also lights up! Should that be right?
I also took off the ignition lead that's in the centre of the distributer cap and tested if it had spark going to the distributer which it didnt!

[5teve]

Still can't seem to figure out what the problem is! Won't send out spark what so ever! Does anyone know what might cause this problem?

[Doesy]

Could your coil be breaking down under load? Coils can test ok when subjected to just 12V but then when running break down and send intermittent or no spark?

[Shadow_Rusty]

This might sound silly, but have you checked that the points are adjusted correctly?

Disconnect the coil from the distributor, connect your test light between the distributor and the positive of the battery and crank the engine.
The test light should turn on and off...

Also, another common error can be made when checking for spark... You need to make sure the body of the test spark plug is grounded...

[Peter Jones]

Could you upload some photos please? There might be something obvious we could spot.

Are you testing the dizzy off the engine?

Remember that it needs to be earthed to work.

[5teve]

We forgot to ground it!
We got it to spark but now it can't seem to start! This is how ive set it out, got it OT, first piston is at its peak and the rotor button is striking on 1st ignition lead!
Still wont start! Arghhhh