Weak spark

[Zed Head]

I believe that the Pertronix electronic ignition unit can be wired with or without the ballast resistor, depending on the coil that is used. Do you have a shiny silver "Blaster" coil or a dull black stock one? Search Pertronix and you'll find a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of the Pertronix unit.

I think that the issue with your ammeter is probably from a different wiring issue, but it might or might not be indicating a problem. The ammeter doesn't tell you a whole lot about what your charging system is doing. Someone who knows ammeters can probably tell you more. In the meantime, if you have a voltmeter, it wouldn't hurt to measure voltage at the battery at low and high rpm to see if your charging system is regulating correctly. Do you know if you have the "stock" alternator or has it been upgraded to internal regulation?

[patjamejam]

I believe I have stock, but I thought I had points too.....How can I determine?

[FastWoman]

You don't have points, because your ignition is electronic (and non-stock).

[Zed Head]

I believe I have stock, but I thought I had points too.....How can I determine?

I should have said "Flame-Thrower" coil, not Blaster. Pertronix recommends this coil with their Ignitor electronic ignition. It's shiny and silver...

http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/flame/coils/40000_volt.aspx

It's on the fenderwell on the distributor side. The aftermarket coils usually have brand markings, the stock ones are flat black and look factory.

FW, I think that patjamejam was pointing out his(?, I assume) general unfamiliarity with the car and its parts.

[patjamejam]

zed- you are correct sir . gonna buy new coil and ignition

[SteveJ]

I just thought of something based upon a question I was asked yesterday. Look at where the smaller wires go into the coil. One post should be marked positive and the other negative. Tell us what are the colors of the wires connected to those posts.

If polarity is reversed, it could make the spark less reliable.