1979 Spider 2000 - Can't Get Spark

Gotta love that wiring . . .
KeithM
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Joined: Fri Apr 28, 2017 10:46 am
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider 2000

1979 Spider 2000 - Can't Get Spark

Postby KeithM » Wed Mar 28, 2018 9:08 am

So I'm working on rewiring my Spider using the Painless harness.

I've replaced just about everything ignition-related...new pickup coil, all new wires, cap/rotor, ignition coil, ignition module...everything is properly installed and I have 12V at the coil with the ignition switch on. No spark. I've checked all connections, and cannot figure out why not. The car ran before I started this project, so I'm not sure where to look next. Any ideas?

AriK
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Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider
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Re: 1979 Spider 2000 - Can't Get Spark

Postby AriK » Wed Mar 28, 2018 9:43 am

Make sure the pickup coil magnet is not installed upside down.

KeithM
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Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider 2000

Re: 1979 Spider 2000 - Can't Get Spark

Postby KeithM » Wed Mar 28, 2018 9:53 am

It's not. There's a groove on the magnet, I was careful to install it correctly.

spider2081
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Your car is a: 1981 Spider 2000
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Re: 1979 Spider 2000 - Can't Get Spark

Postby spider2081 » Wed Mar 28, 2018 4:51 pm

I have seen the magnet marked with a strip on either side. the pick up mounting plate and the magnetic have unique shapes that only match when the magnetic is installed correct side up.

Do you have a spark coming from the coil wire with it disconnected from the distributor cap ???

grrrdot
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Your car is a: 1967 124

Re: 1979 Spider 2000 - Can't Get Spark

Postby grrrdot » Wed Mar 28, 2018 7:58 pm

Where my mind goes:
* Are you checking spark at the coil or the distributor? I've had a few "new" Fiat distributor caps blow apart the center carbon button and fail to distribute the spark, but the coil was sparking.
* Not sure what else you have installed but try disconnecting everything thats not +12 and the ignition module from the Coil ( tach, etc )
* Double check the pickup gap.
* Check the ignition module, maybe the new one isnt any good
* Also if you have a multimeter couldnt hurt to check the primary / secondary windings of your coil.

-G

KeithM
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Apr 28, 2017 10:46 am
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider 2000

Re: 1979 Spider 2000 - Can't Get Spark

Postby KeithM » Fri Mar 30, 2018 9:51 pm

I'm ashamed to admit that I'm kind of a dummy.

I got so frustrated with this thing that I pulled the distributor out, connected the coil, ignition module and pickup coil (installed in the distributor) to a battery and fooled around with it until I got spark. I don't even know what was really wrong, probably just a poor ground connection. Anyway, it's back in the car and I got it started this evening for the first time in a year. Thanks for your replies!

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wetminkey
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Your car is a: 1979 2000 Spider
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Re: 1979 Spider 2000 - Can't Get Spark

Postby wetminkey » Fri Mar 30, 2018 11:47 pm

That is GREAT to hear, KeithM! Congrats!
In the Navy we called repairs of this type PFM. Pure magic, of a sort.
Shiny clean, dry, tight electrical contacts,...always a plus.
Happy motoring!
Todd.
1988 Mazda RX-7
1979 Fiat Spider 2000
1978 3/4 ton Chev 4x4 P/U "FRANKENTRUCK"
1976 Camaro
1972 VW Superbeetle
1969 Ford F100
1968 Mustang coupe


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