Distributor Issues - No Spark (86 Olds Cutlass)

[jrbarrie83]

Tried starting my car last week and it took forever. Cranked beautifully, but would not fire. Finally it started, and I thought maybe it had something to do with the fact that it had sat for a few weeks. We were planning to go to a local cruise, and that day it would not start at all. I replaced the ignition module, figuring that was the most common part to go. Nothing. Swapped the ignition coil with the one from my truck and it fired instantly. Replaced the coil with a new one yesterday, and again, nothing. I again put the one from the truck in, and it still wouldn't start (but the truck does). Pulled a wire and attached a plug and grounded it - there's no spark at all. We did our best to follow the CSM and troubleshoot the different pieces of the distributor, but not being actual mechanics, we're not totally sure of what we're doing.

Does anyone have any advice on what to try next? Short of getting a new distributor, I'm at a loss.

Thanks,
Jim
'83 Silverado
'86 442

[Irish_Alley]

replace the whole distributor or take the parts off to autozone they can test most. im not sure but what motor does the 86 cutlass have?

[Stewart G Griffin]

im not sure but what motor does the 86 cutlass have?


So if it's a 442, then 307.   

AC delco sells a reman.  #88864785 or # 88864789

So anyways, it does seem like it is something in the distributor.  If i was more experienced with distributor i would like to test each and every part, but for now replacing the entire distributor would be the fast and easy way.

[VileZambonie]

Check the pick up coil

[jrbarrie83]

Thanks for the help guys! Yeah, I was figuring the distributor just needs replaced. Just hope that's the actual issue, cause I really don't like spending $100 for nothing. And yes, the 442 has the 307 Olds motor.

If I were to test the pickup coil, and found it to be faulty, is this something that is replaceable too, or would the cost and hassle even be worth it?

Thanks!
Jim

[Irish_Alley]

is this a tbi or carb is more of what i was looking for

[Stewart G Griffin]

Carbed till the end.  Like monte carlo SS.

[hatzie]

Are you actually getting 12 volts at the BAT terminal with the ignition on?

Is the body of the distributor grounding to the block the way it should?

Is the HEI pigtail damaged where it exits the distributor body?

[jrbarrie83]

Are you actually getting 12 volts at the BAT terminal with the ignition on?

Is the body of the distributor grounding to the block the way it should?

Is the HEI pigtail damaged where it exits the distributor body?

Yes, 12 volts at terminal on cap.

Distributor is grounded.

All wiring is in good shape.

Only thing I could think of, if all other tests were done properly, is the pickup coil.

[AZ4X4SQBDY]

An easy test for the pick up coil is to disconnect it from the module and connect a pair of multi meter leads to the 2 wires. With the meter set to AC voltage, spin the distributor, As it spins past each point on it's way around, it will show a small AC voltage that is used to trigger the module. It will not be much. If the meter doesn't register anything, the pick up coil is bad.

[jrbarrie83]

So I pulled the distributor and took it to the local parts store with the new coil and module in it. The guy tested it, hooking it up to a battery (+ on the BAT terminal on the cap, - to the shaft) and with the coil cap off, we got a good spark off every post. So now, I am at a total loss. I have no idea what else to possibly check - I'm getting 12 volts at the terminal on the cap from the car, and now that we know the distributor is good, I don't know what else it could be. Any suggestions??

[VileZambonie]

Their test is essentially meaningless. The system is not installed and in its environment. Is the rotor turning while cranking? Did you verify B+ at the coil when cranking? Did you measure the resistance of the pickup coil?

[bd]

...and is the short ground wire/strap installed below the top cover, between the ignition coil frame and the three wire distributor pigtail?