Spark Test

Fig. 1 Moving projection of signal rotor:

Fig. 2 Moving screwdriver tip in & out through gap between governor base & housing:

1985 4-97.4/1.6L Turbocharged Engine
1. Disconnect coil wire high tension lead from distributor cap and hold wire approximately .2 - .4 inch away from cylinder block. Crank engine and observe spark condition. If no spark is produced, proceed to step 2. If spark is produced, check distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs, spark plug wires and ignition timing. If engine cannot be cranked, disconnect coil wire high tension lead from distributor cap and hold wire approximately .2 - .4 inches away from cylinder block, then crank engine. Check spark condition. If no spark was produced, proceed to step 2. If spark was produced, check distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs, spark plug wires and ignition timing. If the engine cannot be cranked, proceed with methods a through c as follows:
a. Hold high tension wire as previously described in step 1. Remove distributor cap, turn rotor in direction of engine rotation (clockwise) by hand until rotor contacts stop then return to its original position. Spark can be produced by moving the projection of the signal rotor close to the stator, Fig. 1.
b. Remove distributor cap and rotor. Using a suitable screwdriver, quickly move screwdriver in and out through gap between governor base and housing, Fig. 2. This will also produce spark.
c. Remove distributor from engine (do not disconnect primary cable). While holding distributor housing in contact with engine (to complete ground circuit), turn distributor shaft, this will produce spark when engine is cranked.
2. With ignition switch in On position, measure voltage at negative terminal of ignition coil. If voltmeter indicates battery voltage, proceed to step 3. If voltmeter reads 3 volts or less, the igniter is defective. If zero voltage is indicated, the ignition coil winding or wiring is defective.
3. Remove original ignition coil and install a known good coil. Repeat spark test as described in step 1. If no spark is produced, replace distributor. If spark is produced, replace ignition coil.