72 Dart 225ci
I have very hot spark on coil wire, but no spark coming from the distributor to plugs. Replaced distributor cap, rotor, points and condenser. Still nothing. Have not disturbed timing at all since it was running fine. It died while it was running. Got it started once and it ran rough, then completely died. I have other post "electrical quagmire" related to charging circuit, but I don't think this is related....but what do I know? Any help is greatly appreciated......Gary

I have ~6 volts on coil. Is this correct?

If you have spark on the coil wire and not to the plug wires, the coil is getting the 'signal' from the points....so the problem has to be either the cap or the rotor.

If you still have them, try swapping the old rotor, cap, or both back on to see if it will start. If it starts the new cap or rotor is defective.

Sorry I do not know many specifics about points ignitions I will let someone familiar with them comment on the voltage to the coil.

-S/6

First, remove the distributor cap and crank the engine. Does the rotor turn? If not, you need a new distributor drive gear because yours has cracked or broken. They are readily available as a repair part.

What brand of cap and rotor did you use?

The rotor is turning. I have tried the old parts too. Could the timing chain have slipped? Would that cause this syptom? I was right there when it quit running, didn't hear anything unusual. This thing is killing me.....Gary

No a slipped chain can't cause this... if spark is coming from the coil wire and not from the plug wires, the only thing in the middle is the distributor.

Maybe one end of the coil wire is tweaked and the contact got loose? Also make sure the engine block ground is in good condition. Make sure the central contact on the cap isn't chipped or dammaged, because it may not be making contact with the rotor.

what's causing this. My theory is something has gone askew with the timing. In other words, the rotor is firing between the contacts in the distributor. I don't see how it could be anything else......Gary

6 volts at the coil is a little low. Another burnt wire might be the cause

This doesn't explain why you get spark at the coil that doesn't make it through the distributor. Even with horrible timing, the spark has to go someplace, and the shortest path is to the nearest spart plug teminal (inside the cap)

Are you sure the rotor and cap are properly seated on their alignment tabs? As you are worried, if the distributor gear is stripped, it might turn but be out of position. I don't know if that's common.

If you want to visually check your timing, turn the engine to top dead center on the crank shaft. With the cap off the distributor, the rotor should point to the #1 or #6 spark plug position if you visually align where the cap would be. As long as it's close, a good spark would find it's way.

Hope that get you on your way. Sounds like you've got a real mess.

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1980 Aspen 225 super six