Is it my distributor?

[Draayer]

I have a 72 cruiser and the other day it wouldn't start, it's getting gas, I sprayed a little starting fluid in the carb and still nothing. I tested power to the coil and I have power there. I thought of pulling the coil wire but I didn't know if that would blow up a test light, I pulled a plug wire and there is no power.
Any recommendations?
Thanks,

 

[ocdbeetle]

New Coil?

 

[ocdbeetle]

The distributor only distributes the spark or "power" as you say....The spark or "power" comes from the coil....

 

[Draayer]

Could I pull the coil wire, put a test light in there and turn it over or will I blow something up? Would that tell me if it's the coil?
Thanks,

 

[ocdbeetle]

Unplug the coil wire where it goes to the dizzy....hold it 1/4 or so to ground....have someone turn over the engine....If it doesnt spark the coil doesnt work....assuming you have switched power going to the coil...

 

[Draayer]

Thanks so much I'll give it a try

 

[Draayer]

I just replace the coil (universal for $14) plugged it in, cleaned all the conections and still nothing.
What the heck is the deal??

 

[ocdbeetle]

Nothing as in no spark from the coil ?

 

[Draayer]

I just went and pulled the coil wire and have a child turn it over, there is a very small spark (how much spark should there be) so the distributer should be getting some power. The cruiser is still not even making an attempt to start.

 

[ocdbeetle]

Battery adequately charged? I'm about out of help on this one....

 

[Draayer]

I had just ordered me a carb kit as it is need of work, I'm wondering if it has just quit on me, I'm going to go do some more tinkering and see what I can find.
Thanks for the help.

 

[high country cruiser]

2 cents........

If you have spark from your coil to the top of your cap check your cap and rotor for corrosion and pay close attention to your points. Do this with attention to detail as my buddy swore up and down he did and I drove 75 miles to his house only to find the wire had busted right next to the points GOOD TIMES and of course beers were on him............

 

[Larr75fj40]

Are you sure you're not running a MDS ignition?