Basic System Test
- Connect oscilloscope with clamp-on pick-ups to coil high voltage wire's specifications. If scope is not available, remove coil wire from distributor and insert a modified spark plug into coil wire. See Fig 1.
- Turn ignition on and tap distributor base with a screwdriver handle. Check for sparks while tapping distributor (visible by checking scope trace or at modified spark plug gap).
- If no spark occurs, turn ignition off. Crank engine to approximately align engine timing pointer with initial timing degree line on damper. Turn ignition on and repeat tapping of distributor, checking again for sparks.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.