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Old 02-04-2021, 08:46 AM   #1
aermotor
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Default wiring

While trouble shooting the ignition I am good to the ignition switch, can not get power to the distributor from the switch. I replaced the ignition switch and left it hanging by the wires and not touching the dash. Does the switch need to be mounted to the dash for a ground to get power to the distributor?

John
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Old 02-04-2021, 08:58 AM   #2
BRENT in 10-uh-C
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Default Re: wiring

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While trouble shooting the ignition I am good to the ignition switch, can not get power to the distributor from the switch. I replaced the ignition switch and left it hanging by the wires and not touching the dash. Does the switch need to be mounted to the dash for a ground to get power to the distributor?

John
No


Let us know exactly which switch you have and we can likely tell you what is wrong inside the switch. It is likely the contacts inside are not connecting (touching) properly. On some switches, this can be repaired.
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Old 02-04-2021, 09:09 AM   #3
aermotor
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Default Re: wiring

I have an aftermarket keyed switch. John
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Old 02-04-2021, 10:42 AM   #4
Badpuppy
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Default Re: wiring

Armored wire connects from distributor points to switch, red wire from other side of switch to coil. You should be able to find the disconnect fairly easily by checking continuity along the path.

https://sacramentocapitolas.org/2017...iring-diagram/
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Old 02-04-2021, 11:38 AM   #5
Bob C
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Default Re: wiring

Remember the coil has power all the time and the ground path from the points
is through the ignition switch to the coil.
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Old 02-05-2021, 08:56 AM   #6
johnbuckley
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Default Re: wiring

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I find hotwring like this diagram very useful for locating any problems
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File Type: jpg 3. Hot wire.jpg (119.1 KB, 64 views)
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Old 02-05-2021, 06:11 PM   #7
aermotor
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Default Re: wiring

The rest of story. I have a Mallory dizzy for the centrifugal advance. Spent a couple days tracing all wiring and still could only get occasional spark. Finally pulled dizzy as I was getting power to the distributor all the time but still only occasional spark at the points. Turns out that the stud to the inside of the dizzy goes through a plastic formed in place grommet and was close enough to the exhaust manifold to melt - allowing the stud to drop enough to touch the housing and causing a short. Got the stud back centered and JB welded in place. Next problem to keep it from melting again. The drive shaft for the Mallory is slotted in the center so I turned the dizzy housing 180 degrees to get the grommet away from the exhaust manifold. Next I swapped a couple plug wires to correspond to the proper cylinder to maintain the plug firing order. Lo and behold all this trouble worked, however I do have some pity on the next guy that tries to time the engine. After all this typing I wonder if anyone gives a rip.

John
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Old 02-06-2021, 01:03 AM   #8
pbishop
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Default Re: wiring

YES, many of us do give a 'rip'. It is always an enjoyment to hear of unique and various solutions to Model A problems (especially when they have to do with adaptive set-ups. For the next guy, you might consider leaving a note under the seat explaining the special set-up of your car.


Thank you for the interesting story.
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Old 02-06-2021, 02:03 PM   #9
shew01
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Default Re: wiring

Quote:
Originally Posted by aermotor View Post
The rest of story. I have a Mallory dizzy for the centrifugal advance. Spent a couple days tracing all wiring and still could only get occasional spark. Finally pulled dizzy as I was getting power to the distributor all the time but still only occasional spark at the points. Turns out that the stud to the inside of the dizzy goes through a plastic formed in place grommet and was close enough to the exhaust manifold to melt - allowing the stud to drop enough to touch the housing and causing a short. Got the stud back centered and JB welded in place. Next problem to keep it from melting again. The drive shaft for the Mallory is slotted in the center so I turned the dizzy housing 180 degrees to get the grommet away from the exhaust manifold. Next I swapped a couple plug wires to correspond to the proper cylinder to maintain the plug firing order. Lo and behold all this trouble worked, however I do have some pity on the next guy that tries to time the engine. After all this typing I wonder if anyone gives a rip.

John

That’s interesting and pretty ingenious. Good job! You might want to leave a note somewhere in the car (maybe the driver’s door pocket, if there is one) for the next owner. Lol


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Old 02-06-2021, 02:04 PM   #10
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Default Re: wiring

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Originally Posted by pbishop View Post
YES, many of us do give a 'rip'. It is always an enjoyment to hear of unique and various solutions to Model A problems (especially when they have to do with adaptive set-ups. For the next guy, you might consider leaving a note under the seat explaining the special set-up of your car.


Thank you for the interesting story.

Sorry, I didn’t see your post until now. Sounds like we are on the same page.


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