74 JDX 8 ignition??

[snow7]

I'm working on a 74 jdx 8 that had no spark when I started and by adjusting and filing points I got spark on number one but cant get spark on the other side. When I switch wires on the coil the other side sparks so I know its not the coils. Just wondering if there could be anything else before I pull the flywheel to check more. I am guessing I need new points or condensor on the one cylinder. Am I on the right track?
Thanks

[400brian]

Yes, pull the flywheel and take a closer look.

[snow7]

Is the top generating coil the one that is used for ignition and the bottom one for lights? I am having no luck getting spark on the other cylinder. So just wondering if both use the same generating coil and how to check them. Also when looking at the flywheel side which points are for which cylinder>
Thanks

[400brian]

The upper generating coil is ignition.

Typically, the point wired with white wire is for the mag side cyl, and the red wired point is for the pto side.

You could have a bad condensor, a grounded wire, corroded point, or a bad generating coil.

To test the generating coils:

Insulate the points with a piece of cardboard. connect an ohm meter to each side of the points. You should see a reading between 1.9 and 2.8 . Repeat with the other points set.

[JDT]

Make sure that the plastic insulating washers are in place on both sets of points.

Look for corrosion on all connections.

If the soldier joints look dull or crusty hit them with a low wattage pencil type iron.

Check the red and white wire conenectors at the coil.

Make sure that all ground connections are clean and secure. stator plate, coils ect.

Clean the point contacts with a small ignition file. Do not get carried away with the file. A couple of light strokes will be enough.

The list goes on....

Unplug teh 6 pin connector where teh engine connects to the main harness. This will eliminate the key switch, the kill swict and all interconnection wires.

Note that is it starts with the harness unhooked you will not be able to shut the engine off.

[snow7]

Just to make sure im thinking correctly, When the piston is at TDC that is when the points should open correct? I have spark on the flywheel side but I think the wires are turned around because the other cylinder is at tdc when the points are open for the flywheel side. I just bought this sled so figuring out what others did may be a challenge. Still cant get spark out of the other side but coil and wiring is eliminated they are good. removed points and filed put stuff back togheter and had very weak spark for two pulls then nothing again. New points are coming. I read the section on how to time this engine but it says you need a flashlight tester dont have one little more help on timing would be helpful

[JDT]

When the engine was built one coil had a red wire and one white wire making it easy to tell them apart.
I have seen many with two red or two white coils.
So it is easy to hook them up incorrectly.

As you have already determined that you have them switched around you are half way there.
I understand that you now have spark on one cylinder correct?