Having trouble starting model A

[Stac]

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?

[billwill]

Get a model Amade book ,a good start

[1930artdeco]

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

[Stac]

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.

[Tom Wesenberg]

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.

[SDJason]

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Originally Posted by Stac

...5. No shorting that I could find.

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?

[mrtexas]

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.

[Ron W]

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

[heneste]

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.

[Mike V. Florida]

Take a look here;

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

[Stac]

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?

Here's some pictures

[Mitch//pa]

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

[johnbuckley]

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

[Tom Wesenberg]

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.

[SDJason]

Originally Posted by Stac

Here's some pictures

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?

[1931 flamingo]

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

[Fred K-OR]

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.