Electrical System Issue- Thougths Please

Today I attempted to replace plugs, points and coil for my 60 Bugeye following the Hayes manual and John Twist videos. After completing the work I have a serious electical issue that I inadvertantly created. When I turn on the ignition I get nothing. No fuel pump, no lights, nothing on the dash volt meter not even horn works. I have attempted to trouble shoot by taking the following measures:

1. Checked battery. No issue 12.6V using wave meter.
2. Checked fuses no issue but to be sure, replaced both.
3. Checked wiring on the coil, put old coil back in.- no change.
4. Checked breaker gap and correct position of fiber washer- they are correct.


I assume I may have created a grounding issue but can not figure out how I did this by working on the distributor or coil. Has anyone else experienced this kind of failure?

I'd start by checking the battery connections at the battery posts and the other ends and also check the engine ground strap,

Sorry, I have to ask.... did you disconnect the battery terminals prior to working on the car.... I know, I know, but I had to ask the obvious.

Hi Elliot

Yes, I disconnected the battery via a terminal switch. When I completed the work on the ignition, i reconnected the battery. I think Rick may on the right track. Since everything is electrically dead on the car, I think it points to a failure point close to or at the battery. I will recheck the battery posts in the morning as well as the ground strap which I have not checked. Worst case I will get out the wiring diagram and starting at the battery work my way to the key components looking for a fault unless there is a more effecient way that I am overlooking.

John

John- You also might check the terminal switch that you used to disconnect the battery... check to make sure you have +12v coming out of the switch.
With everything dead electrically, it has to be easy to find.

Check your connections to the starter solenoid, you might have reinstalled a wire on the wrong side. It would give exactly those symptoms, don't ask me how I know.

All-

Thanks for the input. This morning I started at the battery with the meter. PO had installed a dash ammeter and the lead from the battery had come off the post with the brass nut laying conveniently on the floor. Put the lead on the post and retightened the nut and the car fired right up. Murphy's Law is alive and well but better for this to occur in the driveway rather than on the open road.

John