1979 Spider 2000 - Can't Get Spark

[KeithM]

So I'm working on rewiring my Spider using the Painless harness.

I've replaced just about everything ignition-related...new pickup coil, all new wires, cap/rotor, ignition coil, ignition module...everything is properly installed and I have 12V at the coil with the ignition switch on. No spark. I've checked all connections, and cannot figure out why not. The car ran before I started this project, so I'm not sure where to look next. Any ideas?

[AriK]

Make sure the pickup coil magnet is not installed upside down.

[KeithM]

It's not. There's a groove on the magnet, I was careful to install it correctly.

[spider2081]

I have seen the magnet marked with a strip on either side. the pick up mounting plate and the magnetic have unique shapes that only match when the magnetic is installed correct side up.

Do you have a spark coming from the coil wire with it disconnected from the distributor cap ???

[grrrdot]

Where my mind goes:
* Are you checking spark at the coil or the distributor? I've had a few "new" Fiat distributor caps blow apart the center carbon button and fail to distribute the spark, but the coil was sparking.
* Not sure what else you have installed but try disconnecting everything thats not +12 and the ignition module from the Coil ( tach, etc )
* Double check the pickup gap.
* Check the ignition module, maybe the new one isnt any good
* Also if you have a multimeter couldnt hurt to check the primary / secondary windings of your coil.

-G

[KeithM]

I'm ashamed to admit that I'm kind of a dummy.

I got so frustrated with this thing that I pulled the distributor out, connected the coil, ignition module and pickup coil (installed in the distributor) to a battery and fooled around with it until I got spark. I don't even know what was really wrong, probably just a poor ground connection. Anyway, it's back in the car and I got it started this evening for the first time in a year. Thanks for your replies!

[wetminkey]

That is GREAT to hear, KeithM! Congrats!
In the Navy we called repairs of this type PFM. Pure magic, of a sort.
Shiny clean, dry, tight electrical contacts,...always a plus.
Happy motoring!
Todd.