spark, but not in the right places

[rusted]

I don't know how old the old coil was. I would guess at least 25-30 years.

[SDJason]

Originally Posted by rusted

I don't know how old the old coil was. I would guess at least 25-30 years.

Thanks; I was curious because I had a similar experience shortly after getting my car - replaced the coil, and the engine suddenly just started working like it should. I have no idea how old it was, but it definitely had a "patina" to it.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Age (unless they are in the weather) shouldn't cause a coil to fail. I'm still using my original 1928 coil.

[DHZIEMAN]

Originally Posted by rusted

Car has been setting for about 6 years. Grandson and I have been working on it and now trying to start it. If I open and close the points with my finger, spark every time. When I turn the key on and crank it with the starter, it sparks once and that is all. No spark when we hold the coil wire near a head bolt. Will a coil or condenser go bad from setting?

Take point file, (really small flat thin file) and do a couple of strokes between the points. If that does not solve the problem, you will need to further examine the problem as far as the distributor point plate and work out from there.