I get 12v either side of the coil.  The lead won't spark on the block so I am pretty sure the coil is gone.
 
Matt

Matt I have a working bosch gt40r coil if you are in need of one

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matt,
 escorts should be covered in dust and play in the mud, not be cleaned lol
 
Low voltage side:
with ignition on you will have 12v at the +ve. With points open you will have 12v at the coil -ve and at the points wire. with points closed the coil -ve and points will be 0v as they are earthed out through the points. If your points are closed and you still have 12v both side, then points are dirty/stuffed and not earthing.
The condensors function is to reduce spark across the points extending point life. disconnect it for fault finding, the car  will run without it for the duartion of fault finding without burning points.
 
High voltage:
When you open points the coil will discharge and produce your spark. Hold your coil lead near (2-3mm gap) to bare metal, usually a bolt head. Turning over the motor or opening and closing points should generate a spark.
 
more likely if you washed it, the dissy took a gob full of water. Is there moisture on the inside of the cap ??
 
 

Hey Mate,
 
I get what you are saying.  I have tried grounding the coil lead to the block and I get no spark jumping which leads me to thinking it's the coil.
 
The dizzy cap is fine and looks almost brand new. 
 
I am thinking of getting one of those accuspark dealies so I will get a new coil at the same time too so replacing everything should sort it out.
 
Cheers
 
Matt
 
Cheers,
 
Matt

matt, are you grounding the coil lead or the coil negative wire.

I am taking the lead out of the dizzy cap and grounding that one.
 
Matt

Matt, dont ground the high tension wire from the centre of the dissy cap, you need to hold this with a small gap (2-3mm) away from a clean earth point. when you wind over the engine OR tap an earth on the coil -ve with the ignition on you  should see a spark jump across the gap from high tension lead to the earth point.  alternatively get a helper to hang onto the high tension lead whilst leaning on the car, if 'they' jump/curse you have spark, and a smile. goodluck

Sorry Mate if I didn't make sense. 
 
That is exactly what I did with no spark jumping across the gap.
 
LOL on the helper.  Might remember that for my 6 year old next time he wants to help.
 
Cheers
 
Matt

I got a new coil and issue remains.  Ther is no spark at all coming out of the coil when I try to ground the ht lead coign from it. 
 
I get 12v both sides of the coil but no spark.
 
What else could it be but the leads?  Very frustrated.  Might have a beer.
 
Matt