No spark, looks like distributor or ignitor?

[devinc13]

1986 Toyota Mr2 (MK1, NA)

Hey guys, I've got a bone stock MK1, which recently stalled at an intersection, and wouldn't start back up (still cranked). After pushing it off the road, and coming back after work, it started, drove home, then as soon as I turned it off, wouldn't start again.

I tested for spark, none coming from the coil. Coil resistance is in spec. Pulled the distributor, pickup gaps are in spec, but resistance on both reads 240 (spec is 140-180), but seeing as they were both larger, I suspect my multimeter might just be funky. With ignition on, I have a bright test light on both sides of the coil, but when cranking, the test light stays the same (no flickering or anything, just the same solid light as when the ignition is on). From what I understand, the distributor pickup sends a signal to the ignitor telling it to ground the coil? Which leads me to believe that one of those two could be at fault.

Any ideas?

OR does anyone here live around Victoria and have a working distributor or ignitor I could try out? I've got a van temporarily to get around...

I appreciate what ever info you can provide to help with the diagnosis,
Thank you!!
Devin

[camshaft]

First off excellent info and thank you

Best way to pin point fault is to remove both coil wires from coil.

Then put a test light in series and crank car. Test light should flash
Meaning dist and igniter at ok

If not then ign or dist could be faulty.

Just a FYI resistance tests are pretty bogus manuals say to use them but garbage.
Resistance is being measured with out circuit under load. And I have lost count of how many hours of my life wasted from incorrect diag

Good luck

[devinc13]

Thanks for the reply Camshaft!

I just tried the test light in series, test light does flash, but it is VERY dim. Could it be I am getting a weak signal from the distributor pickup, but the ignitor isn't working properly? I'm assuming it takes more than these weak flashes to power the coil!

I feel like I'm getting close! =)

Thanks,
Devin

[camshaft]

I would recommend checking battery voltage at the primary coil wires before the test light test. Unplugged coil
As well verifying your battery condition, terminals and body grounds

If the light flashes it indicates the ign module is telling the coil to spark.
Sounds like a ign coil problem
Or low battery or supply voltage to ignition system.

[devinc13]

IT'S FIXED! =)
I checked battery voltage at primary coil, had 12V from ignition. Battery, terminals and ground seemed good.
Got an ignitor and coil from a wrecker, threw it in, AND IT WORKS! She's alive again!
Hurray!
Thanks for all the help camshaft!

[camshaft]

Excellent would have been interesting to see what the output was on the new igniter.