no spark 1997 workhorse

[ezed]

I have 1997 workhorse with 350 engine. I have had on and off problems with starting over the past year. I first thought it was fuel issue or valve adjustment but this has been ruled out. Previously it would start and run without problems at times. However other times it would start and then when I would stop it would not restart until I waited a few minutes. Now it will not start period.
I have checked all connections including the grounds. I have replaced the igniter. I have changed the coil. I have tested the new coil and have 4.8 ohm reading between primary terminals. I have tested the pulsar coil and have 22.5 ohm reading between red/white wire and the black terminal.

Pulsar coil does not appear damaged and wires do not appear broken.

Engine turns over when pedal is pressed and power is present on both solenoid posts when cranking.

I am growing more frustrated. Suggestions???


ezed

[sccowboy]

When it fails to crank, can you use a spare plug to pop in the plug wire then ground it to check for spark? Also, whats the compression looking like?

[ezed]

compression is 145 psi on both cylinders. When sparkplug inserted and grounded ---- no spark. When I pull red wire from coil and crank test light remains on. It is my understanding that it should blink if pulsar coil and igniter are working correctly. I do not understand why pulsar is not working as the ohm reading between red/white wire and black wire coming from the pulsar is within range ( 22.5 ohms). I sure would hate to buy new pulsar and have it not be the problem. Suggestions????

[sccowboy]

Is the air gap correct on the pulsar?

[ezed]

no the air gap is around .050 instead of .032. No adjustment on the pulsar coil. I removed pulsar coil expecting slotted mounting on the 2 screws. No slots just the same size hole for the screw. how do you adjust air gap with out slots??

[sccowboy]

Grab the engine rebuild guide from the tech section and it details setting it.

[BlackPearl22]

I recently had this problem with my 2000 ST350 workhorse. It had intermittent spark that was determined with a spark plug tester. I found the issue in the electrical wiring located next to the starter relay. It was not getting the 12v for the coil pack. Once I corrected the problem, it ran fine.

[ezed]

new pulsar coil installed. All ground connections and terminal connections checked for connection. still no spark. checked pulsar coil cranking produces .8 volt ac. checked ignition coil 4.8 ohm on primary. 14.7km secondary. + (red wire) on coil has battery voltage when cranking. orange wire with white stripe has battery voltage to ignitor when cranking. ( note this is a new ignitor). I am running out of things to check or clean. anyone have any more ideas???? Frustration is mounting and big block kit is looking better all the time.

[jeffrun]

try this. disconnect black wire from ignitor where its connected to ground. clip a jumper on the black wire and connect it to the neg. post on battery. At the same time connect a 12v test light to the plus and neg. terminals on coil, leave the red and orange wire connected during test. lamp shuld blink bright,then off, blink on and off,let us know what you get.

[ezed]

Removed black wire on ignitor and attached jumper from ignitor wire to negative post on battery. left other wires in place. attached 12 volt test light to coil terminals and cranked ------ nothing no lighting of test light .. Removed wires from coil and attached test light to each of wires to coil ---- nothing no light.