All of the sudden, my 69 Firebird with the 400 engine does not start. There seems to be no spark after checking the usual things. What should I check and how? Ballast resistor, coil? Its got a Mallory something or other replacing the points. Someone also mentioned the timing chain. Please help!
not sure you gave enough info for me to help. you need an ohmeter to check coil primary and secondary resistance, also to check your ballast resistor if you have one, and to check the plug wires and coil wire. you likely have an external spark control module with your mallory system. i dont know of any way to check those except process of elimination. usually w/ a bad chain you still have weak spark. w/ the engine at TDC #1, the dist. rotor should face #1 plug wire. make sure everything is connected properly, and recieving power from the ign. switch first. and be specific about what's been checked and how. the only stupid question is the one that wasn't asked.
also make sure the rotor hasnt burned through, mine did once and had a hard time seeing the little pin hole under the little piece of metal that contacts the button in the center of the cap
This just happend to me with the original points system, if this is the system you run trust me on this,replace everything! dont even bother with the process of elimination, it will drive you crazy! the goods are fairly inexpensive, cap,rotor,wires,plugs,condensor,coil and for sure the points, trust me change it all regardless of how clean it looks. Make sure you have an accurate dwell meter, it is a very simple system and shouldnt be any reason for no spark.
Turned out to be the ballast resistor which shorted out. I understand it may not need to be there in the first place. Nothing like having a part you don't need fail.
