Cant get 8n to run. starts but misses. new plugs, crb,distributor, coil, tank shut-off, ign switch, ceramic resister, ballast resister, fresh gas, but has power to ign switch whether on or off.

The wiring of an ignition coil is fairly straightforward as there is only two terminals and regardless of whether there is an electronic distributor or the old fashioned contact breakers, in the basic 12 volt ignition system the wire from the ignition switch is connected to the + or Batt terminal of the coil and the single wire from the distributor connected to the - or CB terminal.

That system became quite rare over time as the ballasted system performed much better for little more cost. The primary resistance of the 12 volt coil is around 3 ohms and the ballast type around 1.5 ohms. It is important the correct coil is used.
You mentioned resistor so it is reasonable to assume it is a ballasted system. In this system one of three types of resistor is used - while many used a length of resistance wire integrated into the wiring harness the AC Delco system used a carbon "pill" type resistor mounted directly on the + coil terminal.
The third type is probably the best and is a ceramic unit with resistance wire inside, usually bracketed on the coil bracket or nearby.

The ballasted system uses a low resistance coil. One end of the resistor is supplied from the ignition switch and the other end is connected to the coil + terminal. There is a third wire directly from the starter solenoid also connected to the + terminal so when the ignition key is turned to crank the engine, battery voltage is supplied to the coil bypassing the resistor and producing a much more powerful spark making starting easier.

By 1986 many vehicles had begun to use either integrated distributors (with the amplifier inside) or a discrete amplifier mounted near the coil. The connections to these is fairly intuitive as multiway connectors take care of most of the wiring though the coil wiring remained basically the same on the + side.

Does it sound like it wants to start while cranking then dies when key released? This was a common problem with early ignition sysems where Ignition external ballast resister failed,( small ceramic block thing beside coil). Fuel pump failer is another maybe, test by running fuel hose after pump into 2litre container, While cranking this should half full in 30sec. Be Very carefull doing this. Disconnect ignition coils to prevent any sparking.

indicates over voltage to the coils
failed resistor or problem in the ECM is allowing excessive voltage to the coils

the coil doesn't need a ballast resister how ever the module in the distributor does found that the hard way many miles from home

The altinator sounds to be unservicable...Hope this helps.

replace the TFI ignition module (mounted on the outside of the distributor) and the distruibutor pickup ( inside the distributor) and the problem will go away, I would also replace the coil if it is orignal.

here are the parts you need.
UNITED IGNITION WIRE Part # M425
w/ Push-on Type Rotor-Mod. Mounts On Dist; Electronic Ignition
$22.00


MOTORCRAFT Part # DU30C Distributor pick up $57.00



STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS Part #FD478T Ign Coil $13.00

RUN A DIRECT FEED TO THE IGN SIDE OF THE COIL, FROM BATTERY, IF THAT WORKS CHECK FEED FROM IGN SWITCH, U MY HAVE A BALLAST RESISTOR FAULT BETWEEN SWITCH AN COIL OR IMMOBILSLER FAULT

I had a'49 with same engine. It was bad for vaperlocking. I solved the problem by adding an electric fuel pump and re-routing the fuel line away from the heat.

hi from uk not sure on your model but if your ignition has ballast resistor ie main ign circuit voltage for running is lower 9volt??? say but for a boost start 12 volts is applied when ignition key start position turning engine over ? ok so far ? your problem may be that the ballast (boost 12v ) circuit has failed this results in how when you have ign on it will start as you release starter and engine still has momentum? datsuns use to suffer with this type of ign but with the opposite effect ie car would fire/ attempt to start on key start but stopped when starter was released their ballast resisror was on n/s inner wing and looked rectangular porcelin block with a coiled resistor wire in side for reducing voltage these used to burn out check h/book on ign system ? hope this is of some help ?

Is the rotor turning in the distributor? If so, most likely the problem is in the madnetic pickup in the distributor. If not, pull the distributor out and see if the gear on the shaft is broken. A good gear on the distributor and the distributor not turning means you need a timing chain!!!