no spark? need help

Hey Guys,

I have a 1950 Buick Special, 6 Volt, straight 8. Today I changed the spark plugs, wires, coil but I can't get a spark. Anyone have any ideas of what it could be? Engine is turning over but seems just a tad to slow to start it. Now that I realize I am getting no spark I am wondering if its something else? I am out of ideas any help would be GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Thanks

 

Did you change the points in the distributor cap?

 

nope didnt do that becuase cap looks brand new

 

Take it off and check it out, maybe the gaps are too big. Check the rotor and see if it's alright while the caps off.

 

Did you change the oil? If the oil isn't thick enough sometimes it flushes out the spark plugs. Clean the spark plugs and see what happens unless they are new like in your case. Good Luck!

 

Coil wires on the correct terminals ? :eek2: o No:

 

thanks for the responses guys here goes:

I just changed the oil so thats not the problem,

Coil wires are right ( i double checked this first lol i always mix up wires)

"Take it off and check it out, maybe the gaps are too big. Check the rotor and see if it's alright while the caps off."

Which gaps spark plugs? Do the points have gaps (sorry this is my first restoration the points thing is new to me along with all the 6volt stuff. I will check the rotor hopefully tommorow.


Anyone else have any idea's? Starter? My thought process is that its something before power would get to the coil (obviously i guess) but what i cant figure out? Any help would be greatlky appreciated.

Thanks guys for everyone has answered so far you guys are a big help!

 

It may help everyone if you sort of start over...what prompted you to replace those particular parts? Was the engine running before, etc.? How are you checking for spark? I'll bet 'we' can get to the bottom of this. :Brow:

 

If you look on the distributor shaft you will see little bumps that open the points as the distributor rotates.Turn the engine over until the bump is under the point arm actuator(bump) and then set the points to .016 with a feeler gauge. This is about the thickness of a matchbook cover.Some of these older cars require a ground strap from the distributor to the block or they will not ground .If you removed this put it back on.Make sure you have juice to the coil. ED K

 

Ok I bought the car it wasnt running, engine was turning over a tad to slow to start seemed to me to be a electrical problem. Started to troubleshoot electric system found shredded spark plug boot wires, so i decided to give her new plugs and wires. Well then i couldn't get a spark (there wasnt one before either. so i bought a new coil to replace the old thinking that was the problem. So I took the coil wire put it close to a bolt to see if i got a spark but didnt also put it next to a screwdriver to see if it would spark on that still no spark. An y help would be great.

 

Not a 6 volt 'expert' (or ANY expert for that manner), but it were mine, I would begin with some real basics.
Known good battery (fully charged)
Visually check all wires
Check/clean all connections
Check/clean all grounds (including distributor)
Check for power to coil with ignition 'on' and while cranking
Replace distributor cap, points and condensor (don't forget slight lube on distributor cam)
Double-check plug wire installation (in cap and to plugs) for proper firing order

Don't forget to keep everyone posted...

 

Fusible link ? :eek2: o No:

 

Well checked the points today and you guys where right completly closed so i spaced it and went to start it...... *drum roll please* .. .....dead battery lol, So I have the battery charging now I guess I will try again tommorow. I will let you guys know how it goes.

 

Ok well got the battery back today car still won't start but I now get a spark!!! She is turning over like 5 times faster anyone have any ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

 

:grin: Well changed the points & condensor and guess what you guys where right she fired right up!! I know the car has sat atleast the last 10 years without even attempting a start and now she runs!! Thanks everyone for all your help couldn't have done it with out you. :beer :3gears:

 

Way to go 50!
Knew you could do it...glad you let folks know the final outcome...keep diggin'.....:laugh:

 

Now give that thing a good tuneup and get it rollin. :TU:

 

Make sure you have good cables. That 6vlot is tricky and needs 100% good connections.Buddy had a 6 volt Dump and it kept dying on us and easting battry juice. a new 4 in ground wire and a well cleaned spot on the frame to bolt it to solved everything.