I have a 73 F250 with a 460 that has the jacobs coil, ignition, etc on it. It cranks nice but doesnt start. What is the procedure to check for a bad coil other than buying a new one and trying it?

 

Hi Ronn

You may have already found problem & fixed? If not...

I dont have spec. on your coil/engine...however...yes you can check a coil.....ohm and cranking test..

I suggest you get a Hayne or similiar manual for your truck..
its cheaper than buying a new coil...lots of good info...worth the small investment...you may know...you can test voltage to coil from the wire by jumping etc..also do ohm test on wires. unless you know for sure there ok? If coil ok...well more testing.

TIP: sometimes elect. parts are non-returnable..so be careful!

Good luck....OT

 

They have light up testers that you hook to the ignition wires to tell you if the coil is firing, or you can do it the old fashioned way and take an ignition wire off a plug, stick a screwdriver in it and set the screwdriver next to a good ground to see if a spark jumps when you crank the engine. If your not getting a spark i would check that you are getting 12v going into the coil. If you are, but your not getting a spark then replace the coil.

-Jon