No Spark

[Linkstar07]

My 73 is driving me nuts. I dont have a spark from the plugs or coil. PO installed Elec Ign but I dont know how to wire it properly. I no longer have power to the + post of the coil so I ran a jumper of 12V and still nothing. tried another coil (not sure if its good) with no luck. I've been trying to follow my factory wiring diagram but it doesnt work too well with EI installed. There is still a resistor installed and it gets warm with the key in the run position with car not running. If anyone has the wiring diagram for wiring the EI that would be great. the dist has a red and a black wire from it. thanks

[hd240z]

What brand of electronic ignition is installed (280z, Crane, Pertronix, other)? If changing the coil and running 12v directly to it did not help then it sounds like the sensor in the distributor or the control module may be the problem.

Good Luck

[Linkstar07]

So if the sensor in the dist isnt working properly, then the signal to the coil may be blocked? I'm not sure what brand the EI is but I'll try to find out. It does have two wires coming off of it, though.

[hd240z]

If the two wires go to a module on the side of the distributor and it has markings like E12-80 then its a later 280zx electronic distributor. First check for loose or dirty wire connections to the module. If it still is dead then it is more than likely the module has failed rather than the pickup sensor inside the distributor.

Good Luck

[Linkstar07]

There isnt anything on the side of the dist. The two wires from the dist go to the coil (-) and to a 12v source on the resistor (+). Is there a way to test the setup in the dist?

[JimmyZ]

It would probably be easier to just get a JY dizzy. There are articles on converting the later model dizzys for use on early Z's. It probably is the module or it's pickup.

Not being able to see what brand/type it is hampers things. Are you able to take a picture and post it? I'm sure it could be identified quickly. Take a pic of the module and have the cap off so we can see the insides.

2c

Jim

[Linkstar07]

After doing some research on pertronix website, its looks almost, if not identical to one of their units. It has a pickup sensor and a round piece mounted to the dist shaft. Then there are two wires off the sensor that run to the engine bay wiring. Just looked at the sensor and it has a sticker reading 460-12 on it. Not sure if there is a way to test this. Sorry no pics, my camera is MIA. Hope this info helps.

[Linkstar07]

Just disassembled the dist and it is infact a pertronix ignitor unit with mallory coil and factory(appearing) resistor. Rewiring to pertronix instructions but not sure how to test any of these or if a resistor is recommended/required. I have good 12v from ign wire when key is in on position.

[hd240z]

IIRC the Pertronix unit has a coil resistance specification in their instructions. A resistor is required when the coil resistance is below a certain value to prevent damage to the sensor unit (my presumption). You will need to measure the coil ohms unless it is specified somewhere. I dont know of any way to test the petronix sensor. If it doesnt work replacement is the next option. I have used a pertronix system including their coil on my Nova and it has worked well. I use a 280zx electronic distributor on my 240.

[Linkstar07]

I checked the resistance of my mallory coil and it was a bit lower than what the factory manual recommends. I think I may have fried the ignitor while temporarily bypassing my resistor. Waiting on a call back from pertronix to see if there is a way to test the ignitor. Might end up going to points if they're significantly cheaper.

[hd240z]

Easy change over is one of the advantages of pertronix. Running standard points is a viable option as long as you keep them maintained on a regular basis. Switching to a 280zx electronic distributor is easy and can be economical depending on your procurement sources ($10? at a pick & pull), but watch out for worn parts that will run the final cost up.

[Linkstar07]

Called up Pertronix and they emailed me a couple procedures to test the ignitor unit and coil. Ignitor came up bad so I ordered a new one. Got it in today and she fired right up. As for not having spark while cranking, It works now but I dont think it was the Ignitor causing that. Hopefully it wont come back to haunt me... I appreciate the help!