Wiring help/ coil not sparking

[EssenceOfWillys]

I bought a 1957 Willys pickup and was told that it ran when parked. My dad and I replaced the coil and ballast resistor correctly. The old ignition had to be replaced since the keys were missing and we believe that it is wired as it was before but aren't completely sure. We plan to replace all the wires later on but are focusing on just getting it running at the moment. The pickup has a Chevy 283 in it. Assuming everything is wired correctly, what would be the next place to check if the coil isn't sparking? Thank you and sorry it's not very specific

 

[Tom1956]

is there a way to bypass the ignition ? hot wire it, if it starts by passing the ignition then it's in the ignition wiring. Just a thought.

 

[TAO1]

Hello Wesley. Welcome to the forum.

When you say "assuming" that opens up the Pandora Question Box.

You don't say if you were told how long ago it had been parked.
​

I also have a 283ci engine in my 57 Pickup and best I can say from my experience is to start by going back to your starting point and recheck the switch wiring using a switch wiring diagram to be sure that the connections are correct.
I have learned not to trust sellers statements, period.
Assume the worst and hope for the best.
Don't ask me how I know.

Cheers. Thomas

 

[EssenceOfWillys]

The switch turns the motor over and we have tried to hotwire it. Everything looks fine up until it gets to the coil, I'm thinking I should get a meter and test where the the power is lost

 

[EssenceOfWillys]

Hi Thomas and thank you, it was parked four years ago due to the brakes not working anymore so I wouldn't imagine the engine having too many problems starting. Also I haven't found any wiring diagrams that are too helpful and often find ones that are very different from everything already in the truck.
This picture may help

 

[dlj]

I would unhook wire going to coil,then run a wire from the battery to coil,and see if it starts. If not get a test light and check the side of the coil going to distributor to see if there is power coming out of coil when turning engine over.

 

[richardhufford]

My old GMC Truck started running rough, so I replaced its integrated points and condenser. It turns out I purchased good points but a bad condenser. I could get an occasional spark from the coil. The condenser worked when everything was cold, but as the engine warmed up, and as Summer came on, it would not run. I didn't figure out the problem until I'd replaced every ignition part I could think of and the carburetor. You might want to try a new condenser.