Checking the Basics

These engines have the ignition system divided into two circuits. The left side ignition circuit consists of cylinders: 1-7-6-4. The right side ignition system consists of cylinders: 2-5-8-3. Firing order: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8.
1. Check distributor caps for damage, dirt, burning or carbon tracking. Replace if necessary.
2. Check distributor caps center tower resistance with an ohmmeter. Correct resistance is 1000 ohms.
3. Ensure rotors are a snug fit on distributor shafts, then check rotor resistance. Correct resistance is 1000 ohms.
4. Check spark plug connectors for damage, then check connector resistance. Correct resistance is 3000 ohms.
5. Check ignition coil primary resistance by measuring between terminals 1 and 15 with ohmmeter. Correct resistance is .4--.7 ohms.
6. Check ignition coil secondary resistance by measuring between terminals 1 and 4 with ohmmeter. Correct resistance is 5000---8700 ohms.
7. Ensure plug is not missing from top of ignition coil. If plug is missing or casting compound has run out, replace ignition coil and control unit.
8. Disconnect two pin connector above central electric board, then reconnect connector using jumper wires. White wire in connector controls the left side ignition coil, while green wire controls the right side ignition coil.
9. To test ignition coil control signal, connect a 5000 ohm sleeve type suppressor high tension lead with booster gap to ignition coil being tested. Momentarily apply 12 volts positive to either white or green wire of jumped connector, depending on coil being tested.
10. Spark should be generated. If not, check wiring.
11. To check control signal to ignition coil, proceed as follows:
a. With ignition off, disconnect multiple pin plugs from ignition system ECU's.
b. Connect oscilloscope with positive tester lead to terminal 5 and negative tester lead to terminal 2 of ignition system ECU multiple pin connector. Oscilloscope should display a control signal for both multiple pin plugs.