'76 No spark and no start

[rhino2104]

So my 1976 will not start and has no spark. It has a new coil, distributor cap, rotor, plugs, and wires. The ignition switch and ignition lock cylinder are going to be replaced tomorrow but hot wiring it doesn't produce a spark either. Is there anywhere else that I should be checking? Any problem areas that may cause that issue?

 

[helo-mech]

Man what a week. There are threads about a 75, 76 and now a 77 that won't start. I have my carb out right now doing an overhaul, but I am getting nervous about turning the key once I am done.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236423

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236453

 

[langester]

You might try another coil if you have one around. I have had bad coils more than once from the parts houses. Good luck.

 

[broncnaz]

Its not uncommon for the pickup in the dizzy to go bad. Only other thing left is the ignition module. You can test the coil and the pickup fairly easy. I would check for power at the coil before swapping other parts out. There are a few other items it could be but your better off checking the basics first.

 

[jckkys]

My '77 lost the spark and all the individual ignition parts checked out. It turned out to be the wires from the transistor module to the distributor. The magnetic pulse puts out something like 1/10 of a volt, so all contacts and wires have to be solid. Try a jumper bypassing these wires. That's how I found the problem. I replaced the Duraspark harness with one from Ford Power Parts. It's far better quality than the OE wiring. I think the harness is made by Centech. Summit or Jegs have them.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Timing chains also break and that brings the cam and distributor to a stop. If the rotor doesn't spin when the starter is spinning the crank the chain is broken or you have a distributor drive gear issue.

And if the distributor isn't turning, it isn't going to make a spark.

Pop the cap off, crank the engine and look for the rotor to turn.

 

[rhino2104]

The rotor spins when you turn the engine over. I guess that I should have stated that earlier. I'm suspecting my wiring harness given the state of other bits and pieces on it. I'm hoping tomorrow I can wire in a by-pass jumper to see of those are the problem as I'm not too keen on spending more money if I don't have to.

 

[rastiss]

Duraspark modules are notorious. You should keep a spare on hand. While the original were pretty reliable, the china made replacements are mediocre.

 

[Justafordguy]

x3, Module or pickup. Check the pickup with a meter first, if that's good it's probably the Module. Most Part store used to have a tester for the module but I'm not sure if they still do. Maybe call around and check.

 

[TwoDalesDad]

I have had the Modules go out too many times to count...

 

[SHX669]

I have had the Modules go out too many times to count...

That's pretty much all things Bronco - I had the same module on the '76 for 12 years ; 6 of that a daily driver. Never had a problem . I just replaced it this summer - well - just because. I carry it as a spare.
SHX

 

[broncnaz]

Ive only had one module go out ever it was on a 79 F250. The module on my bronco came out of a 76 granada unknown mileage but still orginal and is still working. Ive seen way more pickup failures than module failures. Pickups mostly failed due to the wiring right at the pickup failing. Of course as time goes by anything is possible.

 

[rhino2104]

I believe that I may have found the no spark issue. Pulled the module and holy corrosion Batman. I will post pictures when I can get on my computer.