Not sure about the coil pack versions but the MK2 carb versions with the same engine (Valancia) used a inducive module on the distributor, this was the most basic form of electronic ignition.

Are you sure yours is not CFI (Central Fuel Injection) this is sort of a carburettor, in either case the below would apply.

I am not up on the later Fiesta or CFI myself but would think the management would be the likes of ESC (Electronic Spark Control) opposed to EEC that the later Fords have.

Have a look by the crankshaft pulley and see if there is a sensor mounted there with a wire coming from it, this is the CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) this is what provides the ECU with information on engine speed, it then processes this information and gives many outputs, one will be to the coil pack which ultimatly leads to a spark at the plugs, if this is not giving information the ECU does not know this info and so no spark.

I would first check the connections are good there is normally a connector which connects the sensor to the car loom side.

If carb will be a mechanical fuel pump but if CFI then electric, this should generally speaking prime when the ignition is on at least it would on EFI would imagine CFI is the same again with no CPS info this won't happen.

Martin



Martin