Topic: No spark
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Just changed the ignition wires on my 82 vette , while doing so I hit the wire on the started and caused a spark. Car would not start no spark , I checked all the fuses , I have 12 volts at the distributer , I change the coil , cap rotor and the seven pin module , still no spark , any idears.
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Does the engine crank? Do the headlights come on ( on, not lift)? Do you get dash warning lights. What did you use to check voltage to the distributor? Did you check power to the distributor when cranking, if it cranks? Do have power to the battery terminal on the alternator? Give me bit more to go on and we will solve this.

Moderator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20224
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Ken beat me to it...I had the same questions. It's possible you burned a fuse link somewhere, and you don't have power(12v) to all the right places anymore. Check the headlights, and for power(12v) at the large terminal on the alternator. A test light may light up, making you think it has 12v, but it may only have 5 volts. Use a multi-meter to verify actual voltage.
Also, does the "Check Engine/Service Engine" light come on? You may have codes stored in the ECM that will give you/us a clue to what happened, and how to correct it. Find the diagnostic connector under the ashtray area. Look for the small letters on the side of the connector. Use a paper clip, or small wire to connect/jumper the "A" and "B" terminals, then turn the key ON(but don't start). The "Check engine) light will flash any codes stored. It should start by flashing one long flash,a short pause, then two short flashes, indicating a "12"(blink....blinkblink). This is just a code that lets you know the ECM is in diagnostic mode. It will flash any codes three times in a row, then go to the next stored code. Give this a shot and let us know if there are any codes stored.
Also, does the "Check Engine/Service Engine" light come on? You may have codes stored in the ECM that will give you/us a clue to what happened, and how to correct it. Find the diagnostic connector under the ashtray area. Look for the small letters on the side of the connector. Use a paper clip, or small wire to connect/jumper the "A" and "B" terminals, then turn the key ON(but don't start). The "Check engine) light will flash any codes stored. It should start by flashing one long flash,a short pause, then two short flashes, indicating a "12"(blink....blinkblink). This is just a code that lets you know the ECM is in diagnostic mode. It will flash any codes three times in a row, then go to the next stored code. Give this a shot and let us know if there are any codes stored.

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
OK got back out to the car, I am using a multi meter to read voltage , I should mention I am an electrician. I have 12 volts at the alternator , also voltage at the distibuter when I crank the engine whick cranks fine, although the voltage does drop to 9.6 volts while cranking which I guess is expected. Lights come on but they dont pop up and there is no check engine lite on . Any idears ?
9.6 is a minimum and should be enough with a stock ignition. My MSD ignition will will not fire below 10 volts. Voltage at the battery before cranking should be at least 12.4. This may sound a bit odd, but dispite the fact that the engine cranks ok, try charging the battery or hooking up a good set of jumper cables and try again. See if you get spark. If not we go from there, but it may fire. I have actually seen this several times. Let me know.
I found that this is always overlooked this is correct old vehicle need at least 12.5 our better charge battery check voltage with gauge youmite be surprised also note newer vehicle need at least 13.5 volts to pcm,s to start the guys here know what to do dwa


Moderator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20224
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
What exactly did you touch the starter wire(s) with that created a spark? The only fuse link I see on the diagram powers pretty much everything inside the car...head/tailights, courtesy lights, etc, but it also powers the anti-theft module(thru the fuse box). An errant "zap" might have damaged the module....
Can you hear the fuel pump run when you first turn the key on?
Reading the first post, it appears that you replaced the ign module/coil etc. AFTER replacing the plug wires, and finding out it wouldn't start? Or was all of that done at the same time as the plug wires?
This might get interesting...
Can you hear the fuel pump run when you first turn the key on?
Reading the first post, it appears that you replaced the ign module/coil etc. AFTER replacing the plug wires, and finding out it wouldn't start? Or was all of that done at the same time as the plug wires?
This might get interesting...

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Engines
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