The Ford Barn

Tom Wesenberg · 11-06-2011, 08:58 AM

Don't take this the wrong way, but you spent a lot of money fixing what wasn't broke and have complicated the diagnostics, if not adding to the problem. With electronic ignition and changes in the ignition switch and wiring we can't give you the stock Model A diagnostics.

In the third statement, you mentioned doing many checks, but I didn't see "checking for a good blue 1/4" spark" mentioned.

When you say you have a weak spark, what is weak? Compared to modern cars with HEI all older cars have a weak spark, but if you have at least a 1/4" nice blue spark when holding the coil wire 1/4" from a head nut, then you have enough spark to run fine. Since checking for this good spark is the easiest check to make I'd do that first.

I'm wondering if a bad condenser wasn't the initial problem, but with all the changes made, it hard to know what's going on now. With an original Model A that quits running, there are basically 3 things to think of as a cause.
1. Did you loose spark?
2. Do you have gas in the intake?
3. Did the cam gear strip?

Just pull the distributor cap to see if the rotor is turning to verify the cam gear is OK.
Pull the choke and crank the engine for a few compression strokes and you should see gas dripping out the carb inlet. If you have gas dripping, then you should have enough fuel for at least some firings of the cylinders.

Is there no one near you that can help check for the problem? It's so much easier in person than over the phone or internet.

11-06-2011, 08:58 AM	#11
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: At my wits end, with this no-start problem! Don't take this the wrong way, but you spent a lot of money fixing what wasn't broke and have complicated the diagnostics, if not adding to the problem. With electronic ignition and changes in the ignition switch and wiring we can't give you the stock Model A diagnostics. In the third statement, you mentioned doing many checks, but I didn't see "checking for a good blue 1/4" spark" mentioned. When you say you have a weak spark, what is weak? Compared to modern cars with HEI all older cars have a weak spark, but if you have at least a 1/4" nice blue spark when holding the coil wire 1/4" from a head nut, then you have enough spark to run fine. Since checking for this good spark is the easiest check to make I'd do that first. I'm wondering if a bad condenser wasn't the initial problem, but with all the changes made, it hard to know what's going on now. With an original Model A that quits running, there are basically 3 things to think of as a cause. 1. Did you loose spark? 2. Do you have gas in the intake? 3. Did the cam gear strip? Just pull the distributor cap to see if the rotor is turning to verify the cam gear is OK. Pull the choke and crank the engine for a few compression strokes and you should see gas dripping out the carb inlet. If you have gas dripping, then you should have enough fuel for at least some firings of the cylinders. Is there no one near you that can help check for the problem? It's so much easier in person than over the phone or internet. Last edited by Tom Wesenberg; 11-06-2011 at 10:29 AM.