I’m having trouble figuring out why I’m not getting any spark in my 81 280zx. I’ve changed the ICM and pickup coil inside the distributor and they both check out. Ive checked the spark in cylinder 1 and got a single spark when I first started cranking but nothing after that. The battery is brand new and I’m getting correct specs from my coil. The spark plug wires are fairly new considering the car hasn’t started and the plugs are new and gapped correctly.

 

So how did you test the ICM? As far as I know there is no way to test them. Was the running "before". Is this a new car to you. Did you work on the car and the no start was a byproduct of that? Where are you getting your "specs" . Do you have the FSM (factory service manual)? More info please.

 

i didnt test the icm I had to buy a new one because one of the pins was broken off. The last time it ran was 2018 and I bought it not running. I changed the timing chain and brand new head. About 2020 after I changed those things it ran off starter fluid because the injectors were stuck but I now have fuel just no spark. I do not have the manual but I went off of other peoples specs from their no start problem and tested the coil and got pretty similar results. I haven’t don’t anything to wiring beside wire the injectors.

 

If you dont have the FSM how did you put the engine back together? Are you 1000% sure you put the timing chain on correct? How do you know you are getting fuel? The way your injectors work is the ECU grounds all of the injectors at the same time every 3rd time your ignition coil fires. YES ALL of the injectors fire at the same time. SO if you dont have spark you cant have fuel.
Why did you replace the ICM? Did you reset the valve lash after installing the new head? Have you run a compression test?
So get the FSM here FREE download, you are going to need it. You are also going to need a volt meter. You need to do the entire diagnostic procedure to see what works and what not. This is the only way you are going to figure this out.
Factory Service Manuals
Read thru the "Engine Fuel and Emission Control Systems" section. You will find the diagnostic procedure there.

 

I looked up the everything when putting it back together and triple checked with multiple different sources and what other people have run into or done. Some of those sources being parts from the manual but I never had the full manual to look through. But I’m 1000% sure everything is how it should be. I replaced the ICM because one of the pins was broken off. So I’ve tested everything up to the pickup coil and it all check out besides the coil. The manual says the coil should read approximately 400 ohms but mine reads 350 is that considered good or is something wrong there. It is a new pickup coil and that’s what it reads

 

Ok so lets go back to "I now have fuel but no spark". How do you know you have fuel? As I said, if your ignition coil is not firing the ECU can't count to 3 and fire the injectors. You can do a quick check by turning on your key to run and use a wire to ground the neg side of the coil 3 time real quick and you should hear the injectors.
How are you checking for spark? Are you pulling the spark plug and grounding it and looking for spark to jump the electrode? Have you pulled the coil wire off distributor cap and held it close to something metal on the engine and cranking the engine to see if the coil is firing? You may want to have help to do this. Don't hold the coil wire with your hand, use a plyers so you don't get shocked!
Get the FSM!!!!!!!!!!!! Its FREE. The link is in post 4. It will tell you how to test this stuff.
P.S. have you checked if your coil is wired correctly? Wire diagram is in the FREE FSM.