|
07-05-2020, 11:39 AM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DFW Area
Posts: 165
|
Spark Question
I am sure a lot of you will go - here we go again but I can't find specifically what my problem is so here we go... no spark....
1929 Coupe - 6 volt positive ground... Purchase new: Ignition switch coil Ignition cable "Modern upper distributor plate with modern points and condenser" installed all - no spark I have check ignition switch, coil (positive and negative) and distributor plate and all show to have power. I checked the wire coming out the coil and i show now power (not sure i should) and I also checked the coil wire coming out of the distributor and no power (no sire it should show any) no be be honest when I put the new distributor plate in i DID NOT reset my timing pin etc..... Is that the problem related to no spark? |
07-05-2020, 11:47 AM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Spring Grove, Illinois
Posts: 1,371
|
Re: Spark Question
Your timing has to be off a fair amount to not even spark. But if you have no power from the coil to the cap, timing may not be your issue. I wouls tske the wire out of the cap and check for spark while turning the engine over and holding the wire end near a head nut.
__________________
"The more things change, the more they stay the same." |
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
07-05-2020, 11:48 AM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 7,225
|
Re: Spark Question
1. Set points to .022"
2. Set timing [ use pin] 3. Check for 6v at open point arm 4. 0v at closed point arm 5. Place secondary coil wire near 1/4" from good ground 6. Open/close repeatedly point arm [ key on] and look for spark Let us know results |
07-05-2020, 11:52 AM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DFW Area
Posts: 165
|
Re: Spark Question
ok back soon
|
07-05-2020, 11:53 AM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DFW Area
Posts: 165
|
Re: Spark Question
oh and when i checked for spark from coil wire to head nut - nothing
I will check the items Patrick mentions and be back |
07-05-2020, 12:45 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 7,225
|
Re: Spark Question
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
1.5 ohms across coil primaries. The primary lead could be bad or screwed into the distributor too far causing it to ground. The switch could also be bad but is easily checked. Coil should be connected to points the same as the battery. If + grd battery, + on coil should go to points. [ but if different it'll still run] |
07-05-2020, 01:39 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DFW Area
Posts: 165
|
Re: Spark Question
ok, sorry to sound ignorant but does the timing pin slip in all the way when it hits the slot?
I have felt some movement on the pint but it will not go in and I thought in the past it did. Cranking this thing is a pain (i am being nice) how many turns does it take to get it aligned? |
07-05-2020, 02:50 PM | #8 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Young Harris, GA
Posts: 1,821
|
Re: Spark Question
Quote:
If you miss the dimple during one pass, the engine crankshaft needs to make 2 full turns to get back to where you were. 1-3/4 turns will get you "approaching" the dimple. It is at this point you need to slow down the cranking. Remove spark plug #1. This makes it easier to crank that piston up to the top as the dimple approaches. Go slow that last 1/4 turn. HTH.
__________________
Jim Cannon Former MAFCA Technical Director "Have a Model A day!" |
|
07-05-2020, 02:58 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 2,332
|
Re: Spark Question
It only moves in a small amount - the timing pin is rounded and the timing gear is only slightly dimpled. For a better feel, file the pin to more of a point, or use a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the spark plugs and the motor will turn much easier, you will not be fighting the motor/piston compression. It takes 2 crank revolutions to hit TDC on all 4 cylinders.
To Get close to TDC Cylinder 1 is to remove the distributor top and locate the rotor as in the picture. then use the timing pin. Another way is to rotate the motor with your thumb on the #1 spark plug hole till the compression starts to force past your thumb, put a stick or pencil in the plug hole and crank it till the pencil is at its highest point, then use the timing pin for final adjustment for TDC. . |
07-05-2020, 03:02 PM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Alabama
Posts: 8,099
|
Re: Spark Question
It can be difficult finding the timing dimple with the timing pin when having to fight compression !!! Remove all of the spark plugs and try again .
|
07-05-2020, 03:12 PM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 7,225
|
Re: Spark Question
Yep, what the fellas said.
1. Remove all sparklers 2. Try to insert pin while turning engine over. As the rotor approaches #1 in the cap [CCW] go slowly and the round end of the pin will slip slightly into the dimple is the gear. Thats TDC. 3. Now you're ready to set the dist. cam position. [ points already to .022" new, .020" used] 4. Any extra rotation CCW to open the points will create the spark you're looking for. I like a continuity meter for that. But with experience the ole eyeball works fine. |
07-05-2020, 09:07 PM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DFW Area
Posts: 165
|
Re: Spark Question
ok tried all that and still no spark
ugh |
07-05-2020, 10:09 PM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 2,332
|
Re: Spark Question
Ignition on, points open, should have battery voltage on the points arm. Points closed should be 0 Volts. If timed correctly this means your ignition primary circuit should fuction (switch, wiring, coil ).
Ignition off, then take a lead off a spark plug and space the lead about 1/8 inch from the plug terminal, ignition on, use the starter rod in the mmotor bay to engage the starter and you should see a spark across the lead to plug gap. |
07-06-2020, 05:55 AM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 7,225
|
Re: Spark Question
OK. Tell us what you have. Where does the voltage stop ? Are you getting 6v at the point arm when open ? Do you lose that voltage when the point arm closes ?
If that doesn't happen then the problem is from the supply voltage to the terminal box, to the coil, to the switch, to the distributor. Have you checked the condenser ? have you tried another condenser ? Condensers today are mostly junk [ as I mentioned I just went thru 5 new 'short-proof' ones before I got a good one] Have the sparklers gotten wet ? [ fuel fouled] |
07-06-2020, 09:32 AM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Alberta
Posts: 930
|
Re: Spark Question
My car had no spark this spring after being stored for two years. On the advice from Jacksonhill, I changed out the wire that goes from the ignition switch to the coil and it fired right up. I have NO idea why they worked as the wire I removed LOOKED like brand new but it did and from Jacksonhill's comments, it seems to be not all that uncommon of a problem. I made up a spare wire and carry it under the seat
|
07-06-2020, 12:38 PM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Eagle Bend, MN
Posts: 2,025
|
Re: Spark Question
Don't start replacing anything until you identify where the problem is. Use a voltmeter on the point arm. Should be battery voltage when open, 0V when closed. This is with the ignition switch ON. Check on it and get back to us.
__________________
"There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool." |
07-06-2020, 01:00 PM | #17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DFW Area
Posts: 165
|
Re: Spark Question
OK. Tell us what you have. Where does the voltage stop ? Are you getting 6v at the point arm when open ? Do you lose that voltage when the point arm closes ?
YES 6v open, lost when it close If that doesn't happen then the problem is from the supply voltage to the terminal box, to the coil, to the switch, to the distributor. Have you checked the condenser ? have you tried another condenser ? Condensers today are mostly junk [ as I mentioned I just went thru 5 new 'short-proof' ones before I got a good one] New Have the sparklers gotten wet ? [ fuel fouled] nope |
07-06-2020, 01:24 PM | #18 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 580
|
Re: Spark Question
Use a jumper wire and jump the back of the amp meter!
|
07-06-2020, 01:53 PM | #19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 7,225
|
Re: Spark Question
OK. Take the coil secondary high tension lead out of the cap and place it 1/4" from a good ground. Remove distributor cap so you have access to points. Have points closed and put a piece of paper between the contacts. Turn on key. Take your finger or something plastic/wooden and open points. Remove piece of paper. Close and open points several times and there should be a good spark from the wire to the ground every time.
Let us know what happens. If there is no spark then its either a bad coil, condenser or coil wire. If there is a spark then the problem should be a bad cap, rotor or sparklers. Another test is to have all sparklers out and connect one and have its ground electrode to a good ground. [big jumper wire works] Spin engine over with key on and there should be a spark. If not its one of those items. |
07-26-2020, 11:40 AM | #20 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DFW Area
Posts: 165
|
Re: Spark Question
ok guys - back from vacation. New Coil and new coil wire came in
I have checked all connections, all have voltage. Checked with a light and ohm meter i get power to lower and upper plate - but the problem is it does not appear to be going to the points (Open or closed) This is a new set of points etc; modern version with condenser up top, from NuRex so what could the problem be. The lower plate looks fine, no corrosion etc |
|
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|