dead no spark at plugs

clid · Sep 12, 2015

I have a old 8n ford. It just stoped running, it has plenty of gas. I do not seem to be getting any power to the spark plugs. I think it is the points or condenser, as i am getting power through the coil to the distributer. The distributer is in the front of engine. can someone tell me how hard it is to get to the points as this is all new to me. thank you.

GPintheMitten · Sep 12, 2015

Unspring the hold downs for the coil, take the bolts out that hold the distributor on. You'll see the condenser and points in the distributor.

But you should get a manual for it. They are available at TSC stores and other places.

I would pull a plug and ground it against the engine and crank to see if you have spark. You should check each wire. Do this before you pull the coil and distributor.

Egon · Sep 13, 2015

One of these sure make it easy to test for spark.

[video]https://www.google.ca/search?q=spark+tester&client=safari&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAWoVChMIvdek_4b0xwIVjXySCh3xhAGU&biw=1024&bih=681#imgrc=FG3b1_goBnAw4M%3A[/video]

BHD · Sep 13, 2015

Egon said:
One of these sure make it easy to test for spark.

[video]https://www.google.ca/search?q=spark+tester&client=safari&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAWoVChMIvdek_4b0xwIVjXySCh3xhAGU&biw=1024&bih=681#imgrc=FG3b1_goBnAw4M%3A[/video]

I personally have not had much luck with the induction type spark testers show above, but I do like the test plug units, I like this style that looks like a spark plug with a clip on it, Napa Small Engine SME705931 Spark Ignition Tester | eBay
there are two trypes of these, one for small and old points engines and one for the electronic ignition type,

the difference is the tip is visible on the small engine type and on the High voltage type the tip is in side a ceramic shield, (take more voltage to jump to ground, I like the clip, I know that it is grounding out correctly,

as said remove the rotor cap off the distributor,usually there is the rotor and then may be dust shield and then the points,

my guess is the points need to be reset, (had it happen on my old gas combine this harvest). set according to the book either so many thousands of an inch or by dwell, (dwell is the time the points are closed) need a dwell meter for that but used ones are nearly free, hook up and crank the engine and read the dwell reading and adjust for cylinder unless the meter has the scale for the number of cylinders the engine has,

most likely a new set of point will not hurt you any, filing the points can get you going again but most of the time not a long term solution, as the hard wearing surface is burnt off,

Stimw · Sep 13, 2015

The 8-N distributor is easy to remove and replace as long as you have small hands and something for the cuts from the radiator fins!
That was the dumbest place Ford could have put it! Hard to get to and a fan pulling dirt and water directly on it. After years of having it there they moved it to the side of the engine THEN discontinued that engine!!
The good news is the distributor connection to the engine can only go on one way.
Think of a screwdriver slot that is off center so they will only go together one way.
I work on a lot of small engines and the best spark tester that I have found is the less than $5. Harbor Freight tester. It will light up very well with electronic ignitions.