Classic/Antique Car Repair: 76 midget 1500 - No Spark, spark plug wires, moss motors

Question
I am new to midgets to bare with me.  I have always thought the they were pretty neat cars so i figured I would buy one and restore it.  I found a 76' 1500 that a guy had lost interest in so i took it off his hands.  When i got it the engine turned over strong but was not getting spark.  I have since drained and cleaned out the gas tank and fuel lines, replaced the coil, spark plug wires and coil wire, and spark plugs.  After all of that, when i hooked up a test light to the wires and plugs i was still gettin no spark.  Every so often I would get a very faint and inconsistent spark but thats about it.  I then hooked my test light to the coil wire, inbetween the wire and the distributor.  I then noticed something very odd.  I would turn the key and the engine would begin to turn over.  No matter how long the engine would turn over I would get no spark. When I turned the key off I noticed a quick spark in the test light.  This happens evey time.  What could this possibly be? any ideas?  Any help would be great.  Thank you very much in advance.

Josh

Answer
Josh:

The 1500 midgets used an "electronic" type ignition module if I am correct in my thinking. This was attached to the outside of the distributor, and often went bad and were the source of ignition problems.  I believe MOSS motors (or other suppliers should have them. Since you have replaced the coil and the wires, you should also make sure the distributor cap and rotor are in good servicable condition or replace them if suspect, like extremely dirty inside or evidence of corrosion or burning on the metal surfaces.

Check the engine block ground strap and make sure the connections are clean and tight at both ends.

A very close examination of all the wiring and connections in the primary (12 volt side)and secondary ignition ( high tension from the coil to the spark plugs)is also worthwhile.

Good luck!
Brian