Cranks but won't start

[Mildoc]

So a few weeks ago, we got a 1954 M37. When picking it up, it took awhile to start but finally fired up and ran awesome. We chalked it up to the batteries had sat for awhile and I replaced the batteries and no real issues. We took it for a few short trips in the mountains and it was great. A few days later, I moved it in the driveway and it died and wouldn't start.
I thought initially it was the fuel (it has an electric fuel pump). So I went through all the diagnosis there.
Next, I pulled a spark plug wire and it was a very weak if any spark at all. So I was told to change the ignition coil out. Now I don't see any spark at all, it cranks. I get power to the gauges on the dash. The points appear to not have any rust and look like they are in good shape. I know I need to get a test light and check to see if the coil is even get power.

Any other ideas?

[ez8]

Couple of things come to mind:

Your capacitor could be dead.
You can get a replacement from NAPA auto for about $13.00. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ECHAL869

Your distributor cap could have a crack or be dirty

Be sure to let us know how it goes.

If you end up enjoying the truck and you have the cash, I'd recommend switching over to an MV-161 electronic ignition. Very easy to install and no additional modifications necessary.

[Mildoc]

I will pickup the capacitor in the morning. The cap looks good and clean and no cracks. I just tried it with a test light and the coil is getting power.

[rickf]

Put the test light on the negative side of the coil while cranking and see if the light flashes on and off. If so then the points are working as they should be and if the coil is good then you should have spark.

[Mildoc]

Yes. I’m getting flashes on the negative side of the coil.

[rickf]

Then the coil should be firing, have you done an ohms test on the coil? Something else I have seen rarely is a rotor that is burned through the center and shorting out on the distributor shaft. Make sure there are no carbon trackes on the top of the coil from the center post over the ridge to one of the primary terminals.

[Mildoc]

I changed the condenser and changed to another coil. It’s running now. Has a slight miss which could be fuel related (seems starving of gas when fuel throttle). So that will tackle next. Thank you for the advise!!!

[ez8]

Glad it worked out for you.

Keep us updated on your journey.

[Kaegi]

it was probably the condenser. beware of any new ones from china. only 50/50 chance they will work or last at all. I go with accel brand or NOS condensers these days. just cant trust anything from china