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Car not starting, I do not believe the engine is getting any spark

Tiny
WWBANKS3
  • MEMBER
  • 1980 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
I have a 1980 GMC Caballero with a 5.7 Chevy 350 small block swapped in it. So, it's pretty much an El Camino. I'm having trouble with getting it started. So far, I have replaced the distributor cap, ignition coil, rotor, Ignition Control Module, and the capacitor and connector part that leads from the ICM to the ignition coil.

I don't believe the engine is getting any spark. I have replaced all of the spark plugs, but I neglected to gap them to spec, so I have to go back and do that. However, I have tested for spark with both a tester and by setting an old plug on the side of the engine and cranking it up to no avail.

Any suggestions would be helpful, I'd really like to get this truck back on the road. I'll attach some pictures and videos of the work I've done and my problem. Thanks!
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Thursday, June 30th, 2022 AT 7:39 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,567 POSTS
When you turn the key to the on position do you have power at the red wire going into the distributor? This guide can show you how to check for power. Also, there is a ground strap inside the distributor cap that needs to be there, it goes to where the ignition coil is. In the diagrams below it show the spark control module, can you please confirm this is the part you replaced?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
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Friday, July 1st, 2022 AT 9:53 AM
Tiny
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Correct me if I’m wrong, but I notice the rotor has rotated after I remove the distributor cap, so this means there is power getting to the distributor, correct? I’m not sure if its rotation is purely mechanical or based on electric current. I will double check by testing the power to the red wire as I turn the ignition.

There is a black ground wire coming off of the coil that attaches to a corner of the distributor cap through a screw. If that is what you’re referring to by the ground strap.

I will attach a picture of the Ignition control module I replaced. It doesn’t look like the diagram I see there, but I could be wrong.

Thanks for your help... Hope to hear from you soon.
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Friday, July 1st, 2022 AT 6:13 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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The distributor is rotated mechanically by the camshaft, but it does hurt to have a helper crank the engine over to make sure it turns. Also have you replaced the pickup coil? Here is how.
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Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 AT 2:49 PM
Tiny
WWBANKS3
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I have not replaced the distributor pickup, but that was going to be my next step once I confirmed I have power to the distributor.

When it comes to testing power, I’m not sure which red wire leading into the distributor you are talking about. I will attach some pictures of the distributor so that maybe you can point me in the right direction.
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Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 AT 4:31 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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The red wire should have 12 volts with the key on.
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Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 AT 5:10 PM
Tiny
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At the red wire leading to the ignition coil from the ignition control module, I wasn’t getting any power with a voltmeter grounded to the car as it was being cranked by a helper.
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Sunday, July 17th, 2022 AT 4:30 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Have you checked the fuses? If so it sounds like the ignition switch is bad.
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Monday, July 18th, 2022 AT 9:57 AM
Tiny
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I replaced the ignition switch, but now as I turn the key the car wont do anything. Is it possible I could've hooked something up wrong?
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Sunday, August 7th, 2022 AT 9:57 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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It sounds like the ignition switch control rod has fallen out or is not connected correctly.
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Monday, August 8th, 2022 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
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Yep, that was it. I found that out after I fastened the steering column back in place and re-set the switch on the rod. We’ve got some spark now, but it comes and goes sporadically. Do you think this could be due to the fact that it hasn’t run in 8 months and/or a weak battery?
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Monday, August 8th, 2022 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Not really, does the engine have a ground to the battery and frame? If not this will be the problem, the engine and frame must be grounded, please let me know.
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Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 12:40 PM
Tiny
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The battery is grounded to a bracket for the alternator. I’m not sure about the engine to frame ground, but I will double check when I’m back in town working on the truck. Any Idea where this ground from engine to frame should be?
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Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 AT 12:49 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Usually it is down by the starter, let me know.
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Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 AT 11:41 AM

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