Electrical No spark...

[mickey85]

Hi guys. So I'm trying to build my dad's 83 CJ7 . He started a frame off, but died before the body went back on. I am trying to get the thing running, but can't get spark.
It has a new coil, distributor cap and rotor, plugs and wires, solenoid, ignition switch, and ignition module. I've traced all the wiring and it seems to be fine. I just today replaced the coil harness.
When I stick a plug on the (aluminum) valve cover, no spark.
I'm lost. I'm not sure where the red wire on the coil goes, but I tried hopping it to the i terminal and directly to the hot side of the solenoid to no effect.
Looking at the schematic, it looks like the red wire of the coil goes to the I terminal, but also that it goes...somewhere? What's that connection for?
Any suggestions?

 

[CJ]

The red wire is the capacitor. It's not needed for testing. How is the ignition unit tested?

Do you have a meter?

 

[mickey85]

Yeah, I have a meter. I also have a test light. I found a test checklist that seems pretty thorough...fingers crossed it helps find the issue.

 

[CJ]

Do you have a FSM for diagnostics?

 

[mickey85]

Sure do. I have an FSM, a chilton's with the correct wiring diagram, and I have a restoration manual with photos and sketches

 

[CJ]

Where would you like to start? Since you have replaced just about everything could it be the pickup?

 

[Belizean]

I was driving down the road about 33 years ago in my Jeep. Just died. Over a couple of weeks a buddy ( Master Mechanic ) and I looked at everything. Replaced some common parts and still no spark. Ended up being a main ground bolt loose that was connected to a fusible link down below at the bottom of the engine area. So check all grounds / electrical connections.