The Ford Barn - View Single Post - 29 Model A no spark on 2-4

nkaminar · 02-28-2021, 09:43 AM

There may be multiple things wrong. Check the gap between the rotor and the contacts on the distributor body (the thing with the arms on it). They should be 0.025 all the way around.

The distributor body looks dirty. Try giving it a bath with lots of soap and water using a brush then dry it. Or get a new one. Dirt, especially if damp, and provide a path to ground.

I assume you have checked the points for good contact and correct gap of 0.020. Typically they will develop resistance from dirt on sitting. Also check the timing. Use fine wet and dry sandpaper to clean the points then make sure that there is no residual grit by wiping with a lint free cloth.

Check the distributor shaft. It should not wiggle when you try to move it in the bearing.

Once you get the ignition sorted out follow the recommended starting sequence with the mixture control opened about 1 turn, the distributor retarded, and the hand throttle open about 3 clicks. Choke for one or two revolutions only.

02-28-2021, 09:43 AM	#2
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,903	Re: 29 Model A no spark on 2-4 There may be multiple things wrong. Check the gap between the rotor and the contacts on the distributor body (the thing with the arms on it). They should be 0.025 all the way around. The distributor body looks dirty. Try giving it a bath with lots of soap and water using a brush then dry it. Or get a new one. Dirt, especially if damp, and provide a path to ground. I assume you have checked the points for good contact and correct gap of 0.020. Typically they will develop resistance from dirt on sitting. Also check the timing. Use fine wet and dry sandpaper to clean the points then make sure that there is no residual grit by wiping with a lint free cloth. Check the distributor shaft. It should not wiggle when you try to move it in the bearing. Once you get the ignition sorted out follow the recommended starting sequence with the mixture control opened about 1 turn, the distributor retarded, and the hand throttle open about 3 clicks. Choke for one or two revolutions only. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. Last edited by nkaminar; 02-28-2021 at 09:52 AM.