Won't start, no spark

[2shus]

My nephews van did a no start the other day, shut off in a parking lot and wouldn't start up. I owned the van for several years and gave it to him a few months ago so I am pretty familiar with it. Its an 85 model with 5.2 liter automatic. I pulled the #1 plug first and their is no spark. I started with the ignition control module since I had replaced it 4-5 years ago and it has a lifetime warranty. I took it in and they tested it and said it was good so I did not replace it. Then I looked toward the pickup coil in the distributor since it is original. The parts store says it cannot be tested. I had to pull the distributor and take it apart on a bench to replace the pickup coil, it was not a quick fix. I reinstalled the distibutor and still no spark. Several years ago I had put a high output ignition and coil on it, its by MSD. So I took another regular coil over their and tried it and still no spark to plug. The positive side of the coil is hot when checked with a test lite. I know it must be something simple and not a major engine problem since their is no spark. Since its a van I see right down in the carb and its getting fuel good. I am trying desperately to help him out since its his first vehicle and he has very little money to throw at it. What else could it be?? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[alloro]

I'm not positive that the 85 vans had a crankshaft position sensor but I believe they do. If that is shot, you will not get a spark. You'll find it at the back of the engine where the tranny bolts up with three wires going to it and two bolts holding it in. They run about $40.

[alloro]

Ooooops. Forget my last post, I read and wrote 85 but was thinking 95. In 85 there was no crank sensor.

Your problem is likely the ignition ballast resistor. Replace that and you should be good to go.

[2shus]

It was the high out put coil gone bad. I pulled it all out and replaced with a factory coil and bingo it started. Thanks for all the help!