HOLLEY BREAKERLESS Ignition: Testing

NOTE: Before starting tests, ensure battery is fully charged. Check all wiring and connectors for damage or loose connections. Replace any high tension cables which show signs of cracks or deterioration.

Connect voltmeter between coil positive terminal and ground. Turn ignition on. Voltmeter should read battery voltage. If voltage is significantly lower than battery voltage, check for high resistance between ignition switch and coil. Correct as necessary.
Disconnect high tension cable from one spark plug. Using an insulated pair of pliers, hold cable 1/2" from engine. Crank engine and watch for spark to jump gap. If spark does not jump gap, replace plug cable and continue testing. Disconnect center distributor cap cable at cap. Crank engine to see if a spark will jump a gap of 1/4-1/2" to engine ground. If spark occurs, check for faulty distributor cap, rotor, or defective spark plug cables. If no spark occurs, proceed with testing.
Disconnect distributor primary wiring connector nearest to distributor and install Tester Switch (SE-2503) into wiring harness. See Fig 1 . Turn ignition switch on. Press tab on tester switch and watch for spark between jumper wire clip and ignition cable terminal. If spark occurs, distributor sensor unit is faulty and requires replacement. If no spark occurs, proceed with testing.

Fig 1: Testing Ignition Circuit
Courtesy of NOT AVAILABLE
Disconnect distributor primary wiring connector from electronic control and insert tester switch into control unit. See Fig 1 . Turn ignition switch on, press tab on tester switch and check for spark between jumper wire clip and ignition cable terminal. If spark is observed, primary wiring between ignition control and distributor is faulty and requires repair or replacement. If no spark occurs, disconnect tester switch from system. Reconnect distributor primary wiring connection and proceed with testing.
Connect voltmeter between coil negative terminal and ground. With ignition switch on, voltage should read 5-8 volts. A reading which is not within specifications indicates a defective coil. If voltage is within limits, insert tester switch into primary wiring harness connection nearest to distributor. Press tester button and observe voltmeter.
Voltage should increase to battery voltage and drop to 5-8 volts when button is released. If voltage does not switch up and down, electronic ignition control is defective and requires replacement. If voltage switches up and down but no spark occurs between jumper wire and ignition cable terminal, coil is defective and requires replacement. Disconnect all test equipment and make sure all ignition system wiring connections are clean and tight when reinstalled.