OK, I have 24V at the radio noise suppressor plug on the side of my distrb. disconnnected the two coil wire leads and performed 2 multimeter tests that WesK had suggested:
1. ohm'd out the two primary terminals: got '0' reading, ohm'd out the secondary terminals (center of coil and lower terminal stud) and got a reading of 11,200.
Is it safe to assume, the coil is bad & needs to be replaced?...Should I go ahead and put a new set of points & a condenser, rotor and new cap too? Which way should I go on this?
Your multimeter is auto-ranging isn't it? If manual ranging you will have to select the appropriate range IE when you anticipate a reading in the 0.5 to 1.5 ohms range you want the meter to be down in the 10 ohm or less range. Otherwise you'll get a false short reading.
If your meter is auto-ranging then the primary windings are shorted. Get a good coil first.
It's manual arranging.. I 'dial' in the appropriate range for the test being performed... for the 1st test, of the primary circuit, I had it on the range to measure >20 ohms... I think you said I was looking for approx. 4-6.5 ohms. I got zero across those terminals. I will order a coil & try that. Thanks!
I might also point out that the usual killer of the coil is heat. That heat often comes from leaving the master switch on with the points closed. If you intend to troubleshoot with power applied to the coil do it with the points open.
I have also read that airflow thru the distributer is very important to keep the coil cool. The vent lines to and from the distributer must be functional.
