[Tommy]

My simple minded understanding of this ignition system is that power goes to both the distributor and the ignition box. When the rotor in the distributor reaches the closed position, it sends a signal to the ignition box telling it to energize the coil. The ignition box then sends a series of pulses to the coil through the orange wire you asked about. That, in turn, sends high voltage pulses from the center of the coil back to the distributor where it is directed to the correct spark plug wire by the rotor. ... I do not know if the pulses from the ignition box to the coil can be detected with your wire tester. I also do not know what you mean by, "It is also cranking the engine so I have eliminated a mechanical issue with the distributer." If the cam gear teeth are stripped or the camshaft is broken, the distributor shaft will not turn. So I ask again, have you confirmed that the rotor spins when the engine turns over?