The Ford Barn

mill48 · 09-20-2016, 07:16 PM

Hi I just bought a Model A 3 weeks ago and it was running when it was transported and now does not do anything. It just quit suddenly. It had been converted to 12V negative ground. I have replaced the battery, battery cables, alternator , ignition switch, changed the light switch fuse and a 15 amp fuse leading to the junction box. Still no lights, horn, nor will it start. Has anyone experienced similar circumstances and if so, how did you resolve your issue?

noboD · 09-20-2016, 08:01 PM

Start checking with a multi meter or test light, see where the juice stops.

Bob C · 09-20-2016, 08:50 PM

An ounce of trouble shooting saves a ton of money.

CT Jack · 09-20-2016, 09:05 PM

This might be water over the dam but why didn't you just leave the electrical system as it was originally. Being a newbee to the Model A the original 6V positive ground electrical system will work perfect as long as you pay attention to a few details. They are: have a good battery, a properly maintained and adjusted distributor, a good rebuilt generator, and a good wire harness properly connected. Doing this will keep your 1928 running another 88 years.

tbirdtbird · 09-20-2016, 09:48 PM

re-read #1
the car came this way; he did not change anything

you need electrical trouble shooting skills

eventually when he gets it all working he will find he is better with a 30 amp fuse.

I will comment on glass fuses: they can be blown at the very end where the break in the fuse is hidden by the metal end cap. If this happens it can be very deceiving. I'd actually change it out for a fresh 30 amp fuse before trying anything else

1crosscut · 09-21-2016, 11:18 AM

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Does the engine turn over?

mill48 · 09-21-2016, 06:32 PM

It does nothing. No power.

1crosscut · 09-21-2016, 06:38 PM

As in post #2 you will need to break out the volt meter and start from the battery and find where the power stops.
Does the car have a battery disconnect switch some place in line?
If so and it has the green knob be sure it is screwed down tight completing the circuit. Sometimes there is a switch installed on the front of the seat riser or varying places.
Trace the voltage and you will find the troubles.

Tom Wesenberg · 09-21-2016, 06:42 PM

Put your volt meter or test light on the two battery posts to make sure you have 12 volts there, then move the ground from the battery to the engine and see if you still have 12 volts. Leave the test light clipped on the engine, then start moving the probe up the wires toward the junction box, then on to the alternator to find out where the power stops.

SeaSlugs · 09-21-2016, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mill48

It does nothing. No power.

So when you press the starter button it does nothing??

Id start to suspect what crosscut says about a faulty battery disconnect somewhere or bad ground ... starting circuit is literally from one battery post to starter switch, thru starter, and back to ground/other battery post...

Bruce Adams · 09-21-2016, 10:06 PM

Do you know how to use a volt meter or should we start with instructions on that?

These cars are very simple and "No Nothing" is usually an easy find.

09-20-2016, 08:50 PM	#3
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,743	Re: 1928 Model A no lights, no horn, won't start An ounce of trouble shooting saves a ton of money.

09-20-2016, 09:05 PM	#4
CT Jack Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hebron, CT Posts: 432	Re: 1928 Model A no lights, no horn, won't start This might be water over the dam but why didn't you just leave the electrical system as it was originally. Being a newbee to the Model A the original 6V positive ground electrical system will work perfect as long as you pay attention to a few details. They are: have a good battery, a properly maintained and adjusted distributor, a good rebuilt generator, and a good wire harness properly connected. Doing this will keep your 1928 running another 88 years.

09-20-2016, 09:48 PM	#5
tbirdtbird BANNED Join Date: May 2012 Location: inside your RAM Posts: 3,134	Re: 1928 Model A no lights, no horn, won't start re-read #1 the car came this way; he did not change anything you need electrical trouble shooting skills eventually when he gets it all working he will find he is better with a 30 amp fuse. I will comment on glass fuses: they can be blown at the very end where the break in the fuse is hidden by the metal end cap. If this happens it can be very deceiving. I'd actually change it out for a fresh 30 amp fuse before trying anything else __________________ '31 180A

09-21-2016, 11:18 AM	#6
1crosscut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 1,907	Re: 1928 Model A no lights, no horn, won't start Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Does the engine turn over? __________________ Dave / Lincoln Nebraska

09-21-2016, 06:32 PM	#7
mill48 Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Lake Charles, LA Posts: 91	Re: 1928 Model A no lights, no horn, won't start It does nothing. No power.

09-20-2016, 07:16 PM	#1
mill48 Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Lake Charles, LA Posts: 91	1928 Model A no lights, no horn, won't start Hi I just bought a Model A 3 weeks ago and it was running when it was transported and now does not do anything. It just quit suddenly. It had been converted to 12V negative ground. I have replaced the battery, battery cables, alternator , ignition switch, changed the light switch fuse and a 15 amp fuse leading to the junction box. Still no lights, horn, nor will it start. Has anyone experienced similar circumstances and if so, how did you resolve your issue?

09-20-2016, 08:01 PM	#2
noboD Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 319	Re: 1928 Model A no lights, no horn, won't start Start checking with a multi meter or test light, see where the juice stops.

09-21-2016, 06:38 PM	#8
1crosscut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 1,907	Re: 1928 Model A no lights, no horn, won't start As in post #2 you will need to break out the volt meter and start from the battery and find where the power stops. Does the car have a battery disconnect switch some place in line? If so and it has the green knob be sure it is screwed down tight completing the circuit. Sometimes there is a switch installed on the front of the seat riser or varying places. Trace the voltage and you will find the troubles. __________________ Dave / Lincoln Nebraska

09-21-2016, 06:42 PM	#9
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: 1928 Model A no lights, no horn, won't start Put your volt meter or test light on the two battery posts to make sure you have 12 volts there, then move the ground from the battery to the engine and see if you still have 12 volts. Leave the test light clipped on the engine, then start moving the probe up the wires toward the junction box, then on to the alternator to find out where the power stops.

09-21-2016, 10:06 PM	#11
Bruce Adams Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northport, NY Posts: 1,597	Re: 1928 Model A no lights, no horn, won't start Do you know how to use a volt meter or should we start with instructions on that? These cars are very simple and "No Nothing" is usually an easy find.