84 S-15 No Spark

[ckfoshee]

I have a 1984 GMC S-15 with a 2.8 carb V6. It turns over but no spark. How can I test the coil and other ignition components?

[Jsdirt]

Should just be a simple HEI system on that. If so, just make sure it's getting 12v to the cap, key on ... and make sure the plugs, wires, cap & rotor are good. Grab a Chilton's manual off eBay while your at it - will help alot with that and any other systems.

 

Not sure with the 2.8 ... but they make CHEAP distributors - complete HEI units - for the 4.3. If there's a problem, you just swap distributors instead of troubleshooting. They're $60 shipped! Hard pressed to find a MSD cap and rotor for that price!

 

I looked but didn't see anything for the 2.8 .... could call and ask them: http://www.skipwhiteperformance.com/listview.aspx?Product=A&Sub=A

[Doug_Scott]

The first things to check in the ignition system are power at the big red wire coming to the distributor, should be 12 volts, check the rotor for being burnt through under the centre button, and check the pickup coil wires by gently pulling on them to see if they are broken where they connect to the actual pickup. Not uncommon for the wires to be broken there from all the flexing the vacuum advance does when it advances the pickup. Also quite common for the rotor to burn through in the centre button. If those check out, you will need to check the resistance across the leads on the coil. I do not know the specs for that, searching internet should find them easy enough. There are also specs for the pickup coil as well to check. Near as I can recall, the only way to check the ignition module was by ruling out the other components.

[ckfoshee]

Thanks for those good replies. I will try that.