PLEASE HELP!!!

[Mary Carney]

Have a 1989 Tioga with a 460. Started it lasted week, took it around the block, everything was fine. Went to go start it and nothing.

We changed the distributor and rotor, ignition coil, plugs and wires, and now the distributor ignition module. Still not getting any spark....please, if you can advise on what to check next, would be very appreciated!!

[Jimco_W001]

Hi Mary, I would check over the wiring. Also are you getting battery voltage at the + side of the coil with the key on? If not it could be a bad ignition switch.

[brian leibow]

dont change anymore parts until you have established that you have 12v. somewhere on or in the engine bay.get and use a multimeter or voltage test light to start looking for a short.

[Mary Carney]

Thank you both! Raining now, but will get to it first thing tomorrow to see if we have a short, and test for voltage. Ill let you know what I find out! Thank you!!!

[Richard W. Cobbs]

What does "went to go start it and nothing " mean?  Were there any dash lights when you turned the key?  Was there a click when you turned the key to the start position.  Did the motor turn over but not start?  Need more info.

RWC

[Mary Carney]

Sorry Richard, I tried to be descriptive, but I see I left some things out lolol. Ok, we went to start it, engine sounded strong, tried to turn over, all lights working, no clicking so I know its not the starter, also heard fuel pump engage, so not that. I researched and tried to narrow down what it could be, and pulled a plug to find NO spark. Thats when we started changing parts. First it was the coil, then plugs and wires, then the distributor cap and rotor, then we were told it was the module on the distributor, so changed that...... still nothing. We wore the battery down trying to start it, so charged it and found we are still getting no spark.

Today I will go out and see if I can find a loose wire, and check voltage with a meter...

Im at a loss. We were suppose to move it to our land yesterday, as we are going "off grid", but now still stuck sitting here in a driveway :/ I will post when I find out anything else today.

I am very appreciative of any advice, as money is very limited, and cant really afford to keep buying parts.

[Rich Thomas]

Hi Marry, sorry to hear you are having so much distress, Jimco and Brian are correct IMHO, don't change anything else until you can determine the condition of your supply voltage. I don't have a solid solution to your problem but I can relate a similar event that happened to me. In my case I was traveling at speed and it just plain shut down. The culprit in my case was a nasty little device called a fuse link. It's a current rated length of wire put in line with a lead that powers things like the starter and other high current components and may be your problem as well. You can google Fuse Link and get more info on them. How to trouble shoot and repair them can be found on you tube and automotive forums as well. I wish you well on your repairs.    

[Mary Carney]

Thanks so much Rich!! I will look that up. We got a tester light and we are not getting power to the distributor or the coil. Im at a loss. We hae track the wiring down, but cant find any problem areas. Just so frustrated!

[Mary Carney]

OMGosh everyone...got it started...was single fuse hidden behind camper battery. Unbelievable! I cant thank you all enough for your guidance!! I was determined to find it and finally did with all of your help! Thank you all so much!! Now to go and live free :)

[Rich Thomas]

Hoo RAY for Marry!  

[Ralph Javins]

Good morning, Mary; 

One quick comment:  You already know that the problem was a fuse.  That should mean that all the other ignition things that you pulled out and replaced with new ones, are all probably OK.  Keep them as spare parts for possible future use. 

Enjoy; 

Ralph 

Latté Land, Washington