[Lloydchristmas]

IM working on a 57 sedan deville and I cant seem to get any spark no matter what I do. This is the first car Ive owned that isnt fuel injected and this points stuff is driving me crazy.
I also have power to both sides of the coil. That shouldn't be should it?

 

[Katshot]

First check-out this site:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/ignition-system4.htm
It will help you understand the system better than I could "explain" it to you (it's got pictures and animation!).
The problem is most likely a bad condensor or the points are not opening(or closing). If you rotate the engine to get the points rubbing block on the top of the distributor cam lobe, you can set the gap to the "proper" setting. Even if you don't get the gap "perfect", the engine will usually start as long as the points open and close. That will at least let you know that the engine will run. Setting points takes a little practice to get it right so take your time. Just remember: set point gap first, then set timing.

 

[Lloydchristmas]

But will that effect my not having spark at the coil being that its before the distributor?????

 

[Mongoroach]

The points are what fires the coil.The points open and close for each cylinder.The coil builds up a charge inbetween fires and releases it through the coil wire in to the distributor cap,through the rotor and back out the cap to the induvidual wire to the plug.

 

[Lloydchristmas]

Thank you. I'll check it out and keep you posted

 

[Lloydchristmas]

It appears that I had the points set wrong!!!! Thanks for all the help guys.!!!!

 

[Lloydchristmas]

It Lives!!!!!!!!! Now I have to get the varnish out of the gas tank!!!!!

 

[elwesso]

That stuff tastes good on steak, and is also good for staining wood.......

mmmmm, varnish.......

 

[Lloydchristmas]

MMMMMMMM..... steak