ignition problems

[charles hickey]

Recently ive been having ignition problems. after the engine has run for a while, the spark gets weak. i have replaced the entire ignition recently trying to buy my way out of this problem, to no avail. acts like the coil is getting too hot, so i put a voltage meter on the positive of the coil running to see if it has the correct voltage(6-9v). the meter goes crazy never giving a reading! maybe the ignition switch??

 

[Professor Fate]

If it's running you'll never get a steady reading with a digital meter, use an analog meter.
And what year/make/model/type of ignition system/etc. are we dealing with?

 

[AJ/FormS]

Check the alternator for AC output into the battery. If you find such, then one or more of the diodes is bad. Fix that first. Then if the symptoms persist and it is a points type ignition; change the condenser.

 

[charles hickey]

Problem found! voltage regulator! thanks for the input