Need Help Please - No Spark on 340KEC

[ThePurveyor]

Hi-
I'm hoping someone can help, as I'm running out of ideas. I have a 1972 400 that is not getting spark on #2. I have replaced/adjusted the breaker points, and installed two NOS ignition generating coils. I have also confirmed that spark plugs, spark plug wires, and external coils are all good. The only other thing I can think of is a bad condensor. Has anyone ever heard of these going bad? Any other thoughts as to what could be the problem?

Thank you,
John
Lake Orion, Michigan[/color]

[400brian]

Sounds like that is about all that's left. If the condenser has failed and is grounding, you'll get no spark.
Another possibility is that you have the insulating washers mixed up on the points, allowing the wire to be fully grounded.

Swap the two wires feeding the external coils. If the spark switches sides, the problem is under the flywheel.
If not, it's in the coils, wires, or plugs.

[ThePurveyor]

Thanks for your help Brian. I already swapped the wires connecting the external coils, and determined that the problem is under the flywheel (I used to be afraid to remove the flywheel, now I can do it in my sleep Have you ever heard of a condensor going bad? Is there a way to test it? I will re-visit the insulating washers since I did not realize that this was their purpose, and don't recall paying particular attention to their orientation when installing.

John

[DLDeere]

Also, double check the points on #2. Even new points can get an oil film on them that prevents spark. If they're the old points, file a little with a point file and then be sure the gap is correct. If they're new, take a small piece of clean note book paper, fold it over to about the size of a point file and pull it through the points when closed to clean them. Then double check the gap. I've found the points to be very finnicky and usually the problem. H

[SpitfireKing]

Thanks for your help Brian. I already swapped the wires connecting the external coils, and determined that the problem is under the flywheel (I used to be afraid to remove the flywheel, now I can do it in my sleep Have you ever heard of a condensor going bad? Is there a way to test it? I will re-visit the insulating washers since I did not realize that this was their purpose, and don't recall paying particular attention to their orientation when installing.

John

Happens all the time, I was alaremed on my 300 I just had apart becasue of the "GONG SHOW" od solder and tape, so I had to learn how to check this stuff out, but they do fail as often as points I would say. If you look under the Kohler section I have the procedure for checking them on there....hope it helps.