Volvo Penta 230 Ignition problem

[MustangJunkie08]

Hey, sorry i had to post a new thread but I couldn't find my old one... This is an old Volvo Penta 230 from 1981 (carburated, points/condenser style distro)

I have no spark. On the Ignition coil, using a test light i verified that i had voltage at the positive and negative terminals, but no voltage thru the coil wire (will there be any current with just the key on?) I tried setting up my spark tester to the end of the wire and cranking it, and got nothing... Though I'm not sure the tester was in a great position for a ground because the connection is screwy.

What might I go about checking next?

 

[Maclin]

Re: Volvo Penta 230 Ignition problem

If you mean the big coil wire hooked to the tower, then No, no voltage there with just the key on.

What all have you done to it recently?

New points? Check the gap and dwell?

Points condition and setting is crucial to getting the coil to generate a spark.

 

[searay3]

Re: Volvo Penta 230 Ignition problem

Power on the plus side of the coil is what you want to verify. Next, go to the distributor. See if the points are open, if not, open them and place a piece of paper or matchbook between the contacts. Set the meter to ohms, put one lead on a good ground, take the other and place it on one side of the points. The side that goes to the coil should read infinite (open). the side that goes to goes to ground should read 0 or close to it (little to no resistance). Chances are the points or condenser has shorted to ground and is killing your spark. Maybe time to replace the points, condenser, cap and rotor.

 

[MustangJunkie08]

Re: Volvo Penta 230 Ignition problem

I've replaced the points and condenser already, i gapped the points to .019, so im fairly sure that's all working correctly.

How do I set dwell? That's the rotation of the distributor channel right? Where should I set it at?

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta 230 Ignition problem

Those rubber band engines (timing belt OHC engines) are very picky about dwell. The book calls for 62?3? dwell, but I find that 62? to 65? usually works, and more or less won't run worth a dime if at all.
You need to find a dwell meter. Most auto parts stores have them, follow the instruction and check the dwell with the engine running.
I know you are way off, because you set the points at .019 gap, and it should have been .016.

 

[searay3]

Re: Volvo Penta 230 Ignition problem

If you replaced the points and set the gap, the cap and rotor are good, it should spark regardless of dwell or timing. You still have an issue. You will need to download an owners manual or shop manual for the specs of your particular engine. But if the points were installed improperly, or if there is a short, dwell won't fix your problem.