No spark, distributor?

[broncbuster500]

I just bought a '71 F-250 4x4 with a 360 engine and drove it home. After a couple of days, it now has no spark. I replaced the coil and starter solenoid, but there is still no spark. Is there something inside the Distributor that would cause this? The positive power wire running into the coil reads about 6 volts with the ignition on, and about 8 when I crank the starter. The same thing happens at the starter solenoid positive terminal... Is that normal?
Also, the distributor has no dashpot for vacuum advance... I don't know much about these trucks but all of the diagrams I have seen show a dashpot.
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!
Jed

[FORDification]

...Is there something inside the Distributor that would cause this? ...

You mean besides the points?

If the points are worn or loose, that could definitely be why you're not getting any spark.





You get spark when the points are closed...nothing when they're open. Sounds like you simply need to adjust 'em.

[Fordtastic]

i had nothing but trouble with points.. i got a petronics from the local parts store and that made a HUGE difference with performance/reliability. I too suffered from no spark syndrome 2 days after purchasing my truck.. the points are easy to adjust but the 100 bucks for the petronics is even better

[fordman]

i really like not having to mess with my newer trucks. my 93 and 94. but if they would ever quit because of a loss of spark i woudl probably have to be towed in. becuase i couldnt just clean them or regap them on the spot. so its a delema that we all have to go through when making a points vs electronic choice.

[GSequoia]

I concur with Keith, check them points, that's probably your issue.

Points are annoying but also easy in a way. But I still suggest going to solid state and will do that whenever I start spending money on the old truck.

[Fordtastic]

i really like not having to mess with my newer trucks. my 93 and 94. but if they would ever quit because of a loss of spark i woudl probably have to be towed in. becuase i couldnt just clean them or regap them on the spot. so its a delema that we all have to go through when making a points vs electronic choice.

I keep my old set of points in my glove box.. takes about 5mins to swap back if the petronic's fails.

[HillbillyDelux]

also check to make sure the dist is turnin take the cap off and turn the engine over. I had a truck with a 360 the cam pin that goes in the timing gear broke so the cam wasnt turning so it wasnt turnin the dist

[fordman]

well i had forgot to reply to thi shtread. but one other thing to check out is the ground to the condensor. if that goes away you wont get any spark either. as far as the (dashpot) vacuum advance. every dist should have one on it. if it doesnt somethgni may be wrong there.

[fastEdsel]

Correct me if I'm wrong but the vacuum advance diaphram is on the distributor with the vacuum line attached onto it for the spark advance and the dashpot is located on the side of the carb to allow for a slow return to the idle position of the throttle plates to help prevent a stall from a quick deceleration.

[fordman]

i onl yreplied the best i could with the info given. i guessed at the rest.