The Saga continues...

Background,, I recently dropped a newly rebuilt 22 RE(C) into my 90 Runner but now I can't get it to start. It turns over fine but just will not fire. I know the engine is solid, no out of sync cam, distrib is in time, fuel pressure to the rail is good, compression is tight and it's got spark (some at least).
I did notice that there was an odd clack, clack, clack sound as it was turing over when I was working on it last night. The sound is coming from the coil/control module area under the hood.

Question,, Is this a sign that the coil is gone or the ignition controller module that sits on top of it? An OEM unit is about 450 $CDN and I really don't want to throw that kind of money around if I don't have to. Is there a diagnostic procedure other that what's mentioned in the Toyota manual? I checked mine by the book but could only get an intermittant reading.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, I'll post the fix when I get it running.
Thnx,

 

is the ground good on the fire wall

 

Yup, grounds are good. I've even added a couple from the frame to firewall, firewall to engine, intake to engine, fenderwell to engine. I've even greased (dielectric) the injector grounds and all the electrical connectors.

 

The clacking sound you've described could be arcing at the coil. I'd look at the connection for the coil wire. see if you can find carbon tracks that would show where arcing has occured. also you can crank it in the dark to see if you can see arcing.

You say you have some spark. what is the biggest gap the spark will jump at the end of the coil wire?

How about at the end of the spark plug wires?

You should be able to get it to jump at least 3/8" to 1/2"

 

Update,,
After more troubleshooting, I noticed the Clack changes with the position of the distrib,louder toward full advance or retard.
I checked for arcs but couldn't find any traces of carbon or see arcs in the dark.
I did manage to find (the correct) coil/module at the local wreckers and will be swapping it out later today - pray it's the fix.. Will post the results tonight.
Any other ideas on what may be causing it not to start?

 

Sounds like the coil is arcing. Try starting it in the dark you will see then. You can get a Accel coil for cheap at an auto store.

 

Finally,,,
The coil was good, the controller module was shot !! swapped out both and it scared the bejesus outa me when it started on the first turn, it's now running like a top! yeeha ! Finally get to enjoy some of the snow that's buried us up here.
Thanks to everyone that helped me out,, Time for a beer!

 

Controller meaning the ignitor?