[67drake]

OK-disclaimer. I hate electrical and am a dimwit when dealing with it, but forging my way through. I figured I’d post here even though this is on a friend’s ‘61 Olds Cutlass with stock points ignition, I figured the theory is the same.
Car has spark, fires, but not starting. Fresh points, plugs, condenser. Keeps fouling plugs out.
Thinking maybe I have a spark, but maybe too weak, I dug further into the ignition.
1.5 ohms on primary side of coil, that looks to be in spec.
7100 on secondary side, that appears to be a bit on the low side according to specs for a ‘61 Cutlass 215 V8
I’m showing 5.1-5.2 volts at positive side of coil with key in the run position. I read that it should be 7-9, and that 5 could cause a weak spark.
I don’t have his shop manual in front of me, and he’s out of town, so I’m relying on the internet for these specs. BTW.
I don’t want to throw parts and money at it, so just wondering if these readings are far off enough to cause a spark but no start condition?
Also, can I temporarily hook 12 volts to the positive side to see if it runs, or will the points burn up that fast?
Thanks