My dad and I have been trying to test whether or not this ignition coil is good or bad, what ways are there to test it?

We have a 351 cleveland and it doesn't seem to be getting spark. We've narrowed it down to this MSD 8202 but we arn't sure how to check whether or not it's getting spark.

Also, how do you check it with a VOM meter and is it usually DC or AC coming out?

I'm very new to this, so I'm just looking for some help.

Thanks!

 

1. check with ignition switch in 'on' position, you should have at least 8V+ between coil+ and ground.
2. while starting you should have 12V+ at the same location.
3. coil- is switched ground, so basically when you have points and they are closed you'll have ground there. if the points are open there's no ground
4. to measure the coil itself I wouldn't do it with car running
measure resistance (ohm) between coil+ and coil- for the primary coil
measure resistance between coil- and where you plug the distributor cap to for secondary coil

 

I checked from ground to plus on the coil, and got 12v with the key on but also got 12v with the negative, is that right?