Volvo 230 ignition question

[MustangJunkie08]

Im looking for spark in an old Volvo 230, and not finding it... lol

I checked the coil by putting a voltmeter to the cable, grounding it on the block and cranking the engine - I couldn't read the exact voltage from where i had to stand to turn the key but I definatly saw movement so Im thinking the coil is OK.

Then i tried the same thing with the distributor, on a wire, and got nothing. Somebody on here (cant remember who, sorry) told me to check the points, but I really don't know much about these old style distros. I don't see a condencer in here, so what exactally does he mean by 'points'?

Here's pics of everything.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Volvo 230 ignition question

The cond is probably hanging off the side of the dist.The points have the wire on it setting next to the rotor.
If your unit sat for any length of time the point/cond is probably bad not the coil. From the looks of your motor replace all 3/ point/cond/rotor.Jerry

 

[Bondo]

Re: Volvo 230 ignition question

I checked the coil by putting a voltmeter to the cable, grounding it on the block and cranking the engine - I couldn't read the exact voltage from where i had to stand to turn the key but I definatly saw movement so Im thinking the coil is OK.

Ayuh,....

With your Voltmeter, you want to see 12V at the (+) terminal of the Coil,...

The High-tension lead should be held near Ground,+ you should see a 1/2" Spark.....

Btw,.... Things look pretty Rusty,...

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 230 ignition question

I checked the coil by putting a voltmeter to the cable,

Which cable? Assuming you are talking about the big spark plug wire that goes to the center post of the distributor cap, that can not be checked with a standard volt meter. Take the coil wire out of the distributor cap and hold it about a half inch from a good ground. Then have someone else (or get a remote starter switch) and crank the engine over. You should see a bright blue spark.