Component Tests and General Diagnostics

Constant Energy Ignition Test

Constant Energy Ignition:

Test 1
Check battery condition and measure specific gravity. A variation of 0.040 in any cell means battery is suspect.


Test 2
Check for HT spark. Remove HT lead from center of distributor cap and hold lead about 1/4 in from engine. Crank engine. If a good spark is present, check HT leads, spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor.

Test 3
Switch ON ignition. Voltage at HT coil positive terminal should be 12 volts. If voltage is less than 11 volts, check circuit from ignition switch.

Test 4
Switch ON ignition. Voltage at HT coil negative terminal should be 12 volts. If zero reading is obtained, disconnect amplifier lead to negative terminal of coil. If voltage is zero, a faulty HT coil is indicated. If 12 volts is present, faulty amplifier is indicated.

Test 5
Disconnect distributor pick-up leads from amplifier and measure resistance of pick-up coil. Resistance should be 2.2 K - 4.8 K ohms.

Test 6
Connect a test lamp to negative terminal of HT coil and ground. Crank engine. Lamp should dim and flicker slightly. If not, recheck amplifier and pick-up.