Re: [Amc-list] 199 Ignition problem

[Matt Haas <mhaas@xxxxxxx>]

Kent,

You didn't say what year car you're working on so I can't give you 
specific tests but the first thing to do is remove the distributor cap, 
crank the engine, and see if the rotor turns. If it doesn't, the likely 
cause is a bad timing chain (the engine will also crank unevenly when 
this happens). If the rotor turns, check the voltage on the + side of 
the coil (this needs to be connected to the main wire harness side and 
not the distributor) with the key in the run position. 1967 and older 
should show 12 volts and 1968 and 1969 will show less (I think it's 
about 8 volts but it could be more or less). For 1968 and 1969 models, 
you should also check the voltage with the engine cranking. You should 
get a full 12 volts. If you have voltage, check to make sure the points 
are opening and closing when the engine is cranked. If they move, double 
check the adjustment. If the adjustment is okay, disconnect the 
condenser and try again. It's likely that the points are not adjusted 
properly or the condenser is bad. It's also possible that there is a 
problem with the coil (either no voltage, it's bad, or the wrong coil is 
installed). If you have a TSM, it will outline how to test the coil.

Regarding a ballast resister, the six cylinder cars did not use an 
external one like I'm sure you're thinking of. 1967 and older have it 
built into the coil and 1968 and 1969 use a piece of resistance wire.

Matt

KENT ANDERSON wrote:
> I've finally gotten my American 440 wagon out of storage, and tonight tried, again, to get it started.  Fellow I bought it from said it used to run, so it's allegedly a "runner".  New ignition parts all the way around, and it still won't throw a spark.  Looked feverishly for a ballast resistor, to see if that could be the problem, but it doesn't have one.
> 
> ANY suggestions?  I might end up putting one of my 232's in it, but I'd really love to keep this 199 in there, and keep the little treasure completely original.
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-- 
mhaas@xxxxxxx
Cincinnati, OH
http://www.mattsoldcars.com
1967 Rambler American wagon
1968 Rambler American sedan
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