Having trouble starting model A
 

I have a 1929 model A that used to be my grandfather's that I got to start once, and haven't been able to since. The starter is turning the motor, but I'm not getting any voltage from the ignition coil.

The wires heading leading into the coil are reading 6V, and I've tried 2 coils other than the original, as well as a replaced the wire leading to the distributor, but still can't get any current through going to the distributor.

Anyone know what could be wrong?

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

Get a model Amade book ,a good start

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

Hi Stac and welcome! A couple of things to check:

1) Timing
2) points are they good?
3) condenser
4) Ammeter is it good-not shorted?
5) No shorting behind the dash panel?

Mike

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

Mike,

1. It was recently timed, although it might need to be redone, since new points were put on.

2. They're new. A guy from one of the local clubs helped rebuild the distributor before I lost contact with him a few months ago.

3. We tried 3 or 4 different condensers that the guy mentioned above brought over.

4. It might be busted, it's stuck reading 2 amps. That shouldn't interfere with starting the car though, should it. I thought it would be on a parallel circuit.

5. No shorting that I could find.

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

If you have 6 volts at both coil terminals, then forget the ammeter as being a problem. Look for the problem between the coil and points. With the key on and points open, do you have 6 volts on the movable points contact? I've seen the metal strap for the points arm ground out, or the short wire terminal between the top and bottom plates in the distributor ground out. I've also seen repro ignition switches not make good contact and not send the coil voltage to the points.

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

With the points held open (e.g. with a piece of paper stuck between them) and ignition on, where, specifically, have you checked for 6V?

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

Do you know how to start a Model A? Not as straight forward as you may think.

1 retard spark all the way, left lever to up position
2 advance throttle a little, right lever down a little
3 turn choke rod/mixture all the way to the right and then back off one turn
4 open gas turncock
5 turn on key
6 hit starter
7 pull choke rod closed and then immediately open
8 if it doesn't start when you open the choke after a 1-2 revs something is wrong.

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

I f the coil is getting hot with the switch on, look for a short between the switch and points. Ron W

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

Have you checked continuity within your coil wire to the distributor? It could be just a bad coil wire.

The other common ones I've heard mentioned are the ignition cable screwed too far into the distributor shorting out or sometimes people forget the insulating washer when replacing a condenser.

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

Take a look here;

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showpo...77&postcount=2

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

Here's some pictures

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

does your distributor turn when cranking
when the points are closed and key on do you lose the 6v at the dist side of the coil
are you using one of those modern lower plates in the dist with the brass contact? i have seen them fail when attempting to start or when moving the advance.. it can be intermittent and test good till cranking

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

Did it run Ok after the timing was redone ? Assuming no mechanical faults and timing OKish then follow this link, never fails-work through it http://www.sacramentocapitolas.org/s...20Shooting.pdf

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

As Mitch asked, does the voltage at the points drop to zero when they close?

If not, then try using a jumper wire to supply a good ground to the distributor cast body.

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

Stac,
Thanks - you're right, your second picture shows that you've got good electrical going all the way out to the points arm.

next dumb question (sorry if you've already tried this, but have to ask) - with the points closed and ignition on, have you tried opening the points manually while holding the coil wire near a head bolt to check for spark?

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

Have you cleaned the points?? What is the gap?? Are the plugs wet??
Paul in CT

Re: Having trouble starting model A
 

I was going to say what is the point gap? If they were new awhile back and you have not reset them, then they may need to be reset.