The Ford Barn

Denali · 03-20-2023, 01:46 PM

Greetings all. I just installed a FS Ignitions system in my 30 Coupe.
Finally got it running and when I idled up the engine and turned on all the headlights, every bulb blew.
Any ideas as to where I messed up, or what is wrong?

Flathead · 03-20-2023, 02:15 PM

Did you change or remove any ground wires?

Kurt in NJ · 03-20-2023, 07:24 PM

battery not connected to the generator will cause the voltage to go very high,as much as 40 volts for a short time

eagle · 03-20-2023, 07:48 PM

You have a loss of connection from the generator output to the battery. Quite possible you ruined the ignition module as well.

CT Jack · 03-20-2023, 08:13 PM

I have been using an FS ignition unit for many years. It is recommended that the ignition circuit be isolated and wired directly from the battery through the ignition switch to the coil. Doing this prevents damaging the ignition module if wired in common with other accessories. If an accessory were to short out it could affect the solid state ignition module. It also enables running the engine if a fuse is blown.
Hopefully you didn't damage the FS ignition module.

Denali · 03-20-2023, 09:20 PM

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I shaved off a small area on the inside firewall to properly ground the FS Ignitions wiring.
Of course the positive ground from the battery is grounded to the frame.
Any advice on further grounding?

Denali · 03-20-2023, 09:23 PM

Would this explain why it isn't running smoothly and slowly dying to where it quits altogether???

Denali · 03-20-2023, 09:26 PM

I will double check the connection.

nkaminar · 03-22-2023, 06:06 AM

Run a second ground to the transmission or other place on the engine block.

Deny1950 · 03-22-2023, 08:49 PM

you never have to many grounds. I ran battery to frame, then frame to body and engine in two spots for all of them

03-20-2023, 01:46 PM	#1
Denali Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 33	Electrical issues Greetings all. I just installed a FS Ignitions system in my 30 Coupe. Finally got it running and when I idled up the engine and turned on all the headlights, every bulb blew. Any ideas as to where I messed up, or what is wrong?

03-20-2023, 02:15 PM	#2
Flathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 1,497	Re: Electrical issues Did you change or remove any ground wires?

03-20-2023, 07:24 PM	#3
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,156	Re: Electrical issues battery not connected to the generator will cause the voltage to go very high,as much as 40 volts for a short time

03-20-2023, 07:48 PM	#4
eagle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle Bend, MN Posts: 2,025	Re: Electrical issues You have a loss of connection from the generator output to the battery. Quite possible you ruined the ignition module as well. __________________ "There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."

03-20-2023, 08:13 PM	#5
CT Jack Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hebron, CT Posts: 432	Re: Electrical issues I have been using an FS ignition unit for many years. It is recommended that the ignition circuit be isolated and wired directly from the battery through the ignition switch to the coil. Doing this prevents damaging the ignition module if wired in common with other accessories. If an accessory were to short out it could affect the solid state ignition module. It also enables running the engine if a fuse is blown. Hopefully you didn't damage the FS ignition module.

03-20-2023, 09:20 PM	#6
Denali Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 33	Re: Electrical issues Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I shaved off a small area on the inside firewall to properly ground the FS Ignitions wiring. Of course the positive ground from the battery is grounded to the frame. Any advice on further grounding?

03-20-2023, 09:23 PM	#7
Denali Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 33	Re: Electrical issues Would this explain why it isn't running smoothly and slowly dying to where it quits altogether???

03-20-2023, 09:26 PM	#8
Denali Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 33	Re: Electrical issues I will double check the connection.

03-22-2023, 06:06 AM	#9
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,899	Re: Electrical issues Run a second ground to the transmission or other place on the engine block. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

03-22-2023, 08:49 PM	#10
Deny1950 Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 68	Re: Electrical issues you never have to many grounds. I ran battery to frame, then frame to body and engine in two spots for all of them