no spark from coil to distributor

[katecald2]

I have a 1976 CJ7 304 V8. It has a one year old coil, wire from the coil to the distributor, and distributor. The other day it would not start up, after running fine only about 5 hours before hand. I tested and have no spark coming from the coil to the distributor. Can anybody help me determine how to test with a multimeter to make sure the coil is still good, and see if the electronic pickup thing inside the distributor is sending the signal to the coil to fire? I don't want to just start replacing parts that are only 1 year old until I can do a little more troubleshooting. Thanks

[Duncan]

Test between the two inuts to the coil with an ohm meter.. It should test as a dead short or not more than a couple ohms...
The test the output fromt he distributer... It should read at least like... 20v (AC) I would guess... If that is all working then check you connection between the two... If those are NOT working you should probably check the magnet somewhere on the rotating part of the engine and the assosiated hall effect sensor.

[katecald2]

Ok, I tested the coil's primary and secondary resistance and it falls within the acceptable ranges. Also checked the resistance on the pickup sensor from the distributor and it gave me and acceptable value (like 2 ohms). Other ideas?