Discussion:
No spark, unsure of what to try next

Hello,

I have a s50 XL I'm trying to get running. GM 4 cyclinder engine Thus far I have:
repaired the starter(needed new solenoid)
replaced plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, coil, and ignition module.

Still no spark checking with an inline tester.

Does anyone have any other ideas on something I can try?

s/n is B187V01404L
  • Posted 11 Jul 2017 10:56
  • Modified 11 Jul 2017 11:43 by poster
  • By jdfarms
  • joined 11 Jul'17 - 5 messages
  • Oklahoma, United States
Showing items 1 - 5 of 5 results.
It was the sensing coil. Now I have spark but the timing is off. Next I'm going to get the timing right and then hopefully I'll be up and running.
  • Posted 18 Jul 2017 12:37
  • By jdfarms
  • joined 11 Jul'17 - 5 messages
  • Oklahoma, United States
Ok so there was voltage at the ignition coil, 12v.. so checked the tach wire, with a test light while turning over and it stayed solid. I think that since the ignition module is new, the sensing coil is bad. I guess it could also be a bad module, but I would hope not.. I literally opened the package, put on the grease, put it in place screwed it in and plugged it in... I would hope it's not bad.

I couldnt find the oil pressure sensor... Just a temp sensor.and a sensor wire on the water pump..
When I pulled the dist cap again and felt the distributor shaft, the top of it(with the rotor off, the disc that spins between the poles) had about 20 degrees of play in it without twisting the shaft.. is that normal? I think that I might just get a whole new distributor if I can find the part number for it...

Is that something that I might be able to get from Napa? Thanks in advance for any help.
-John
  • Posted 13 Jul 2017 12:25
  • Modified 13 Jul 2017 15:08 by poster
  • By jdfarms
  • joined 11 Jul'17 - 5 messages
  • Oklahoma, United States
Thanks for the suggestions. I will check that out tonight after it cools off, I haven't been able to work on it for a couple of days.
  • Posted 13 Jul 2017 08:20
  • By jdfarms
  • joined 11 Jul'17 - 5 messages
  • Oklahoma, United States
have you checked the oil pressure sender?
sometimes they run ignition power through that just in case the engine looses oil pressure to keep from trashing the engine.
  • Posted 11 Jul 2017 23:05
  • By swoop223
  • joined 23 Mar'12 - 3,696 messages
  • North Carolina, United States
You've been swooped!
swoop223@gmail.com
Have you checked the voltage at the ignition coil?
  • Posted 11 Jul 2017 22:34
  • By BREWSKI
  • joined 10 Jan'12 - 1,699 messages
  • Nebraska, United States

Post your Reply

Forkliftaction accepts no responsibility for forum content and requires forum participants to adhere to our rules of conduct. Click here for more information.

If you are having trouble using the Discussion Forums, please contact us for help.

Fact of the week
Foundling hatches are safe, anonymous drop-off points for unwanted infants, allowing parents in crisis a way to surrender a baby safely without fear of punishment, ensuring the child is rescued and cared for. The concept started in the 12th century, was abandoned in the late 19th century, then reintroduced in 1952. It has since been adopted in many countries.
Briefs United States
Fact of the week
Foundling hatches are safe, anonymous drop-off points for unwanted infants, allowing parents in crisis a way to surrender a baby safely without fear of punishment, ensuring the child is rescued and cared for. The concept started in the 12th century, was abandoned in the late 19th century, then reintroduced in 1952. It has since been adopted in many countries.
Briefs United States
Global Industry News
edition #1260 - 11 December 2025
In this week’s Forkliftaction News we report on DHL Supply Chain signing a deal to deploy autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at its Mexican retail operations and look at Guidance Automation’s successful trial of an AMR with a hydrogen fuel cell... Continue reading
Fact of the week
Foundling hatches are safe, anonymous drop-off points for unwanted infants, allowing parents in crisis a way to surrender a baby safely without fear of punishment, ensuring the child is rescued and cared for. The concept started in the 12th century, was abandoned in the late 19th century, then reintroduced in 1952. It has since been adopted in many countries.