My RPM reads zero and is not working. What is wrong? How can it be fixed? I am new to the FB so bear with me.

Thanks

 

Check to see if you are getting spark on all four plugs. If not then check the trailing ignitor, and it will probably be bad. Replace it and the tach should work again.

 

Where is the trailing ignitor located? If I have to replace it, how much? Judging from the idle, it seems to be misfiring.

 

There are 2 ignitors, they are the 2 small black boxes on the side of the distributor. Get a Haynes manual, it shows how to test the ignitors, it's just a simple circuit using a battery and a light bulb. If yours is bad, they are always for sale at junkyards, ebay, and on the forum. Usually around $20+shipping. New they are $200+, so you sould defiantly get a used one.

 

Start the engine. Your tach ought to start moving after that.

 

and i think the trailing is the 1 on the back side.... not closest to the rad. more towards the tranny

 

Yes the trailing ignitor is the one on the back side if you are looking from the drivers side of the car. It is the closest one to the altranator. If you have a haynes manual it shows the diagram of how to test it.