Ignition Problems with Odd Wiring Config 74 FJ40

[nholdren]

First off I'm a new here and appreciate any help that comes from this post. I have a November 1974 FJ40 with a 2F motor. It has been kept under wrap since 91/92 or in the garage since then and has been started and moved around just a few times since. This past summer I decided I was going to start rebuilding and long story short I went to start it a couple weeks ago: no spark. It does crank but no spark. I was able to get ahold of the main electrical items (spark plugs, wireset, distributor cap, ignition coil) and replaced them to no avail. In my troubles I looked at the wiring diagrams and began to notice I was coming up with some odd configurations compared to Haynes and the manufacturer manual. Prior to 92, the vehicle was in the shop for a cracked head I believe (it's my dad's FJ) and the guys abused it, used it as a push vehicle and had swapped the engine out of another FJ instead of just replacing the head. So I am suspect of the wiring job here and whether they got it right. I have a feeling they had it right just enough to get it to run. If the wiring looks jank I would contribute it to this so please don't knock me for it. It has been getting some tender loving care from me with new brake system (lines, brake cylinders, master cylinder) and some new tread. Basically, she's ready to roll if I get some spark.

Alright onto the pics!

Up at the coil I have the following:

- Black/White wire
- Black/Yellow
- Black

- 2 what look to be capacitor/resistors (the cylindrical item near top of image, negative side hidden in shot), 1 off each post of the ignition coil
- What looks to be a ballast resister (see 3rd pic)

- Lastly, a green wire that runs up to the coil from I'm guessing the ignition because I traced it back all the way to the firewall

- Other pics are starter/distributor and battery which seem to be wired correctly.

 

[vangasman]

Just for testing purposes I would disconnect the rats nest of wiring from the coil. Run a jumper wire from the positive battery post to the positive on the coil bypassing the condensers, etc. The negative off the coil goes to the distributor. Make a bushing to hold the coil tight in the holder, you will have to do it eventually anyway and I'm not sure if it needs to be grounded. See if it starts or at least has spark, it will narrow down whats good and whats not. Good luck!