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Old 06-01-2021, 10:04 AM   #1
Ron McIntyre
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Default Model A no spark

My 28 A arrived yesterday and started to back off fine. An hour later no start only turn over.Tried the coil wire to head. No spark. Tried a known coil that is good. No spark. New wiring. NOS amp meter. Can anyone help ?
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Old 06-01-2021, 10:06 AM   #2
Gary WA
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Default Re: Model A no spark

What type of switch popout etc? all connections tight.
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Old 06-01-2021, 10:10 AM   #3
ArtimusGordon
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Default Re: Model A no spark

Start here. Open and close the points. No spark check the distributor wiring and condenser! With paper between points check to see if you have voltage on the movable side and ground on the fixed side. If you do move to the terminal block on the firewall and check for voltage readings.

Last edited by ArtimusGordon; 06-02-2021 at 09:32 AM.
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Old 06-01-2021, 10:42 AM   #4
jg61hawk
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Default Re: Model A no spark

Here is a copy of a post Mike V posted. Please read the entire post.....If it is the junction box ...should be power on both sides. If not the Amp gauge is bad. Jump across the two lugs of the junction box to bypass meter....


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Default Re: Coil problem?
Mike V Florida has posted this and I think it's wonderful:

This is my generic no spark troubleshooting list,

No Spark
Some possibilities are:
1.Blown or defective fuse (use of a fuse is an aftermarket item)
2.Bad connections at ammeter, or ammeter itself (t0 find out put a jumper wire from one post of the terminal box to the other to take the ammeter out of the circuit temporarily)
3.Bad ignition switch and/or cable, or loose cable connection at the switch.
4.Loose or broken wires at bottom of coil
5.Loose or broken wires inside terminal box
6.Loose, bare or broken pigtail wire under distributor plate, or wire grounding to plate or distributor body
7.Points not opening, or point arm grounding to cam due to worn rubbing block
8.Worn electrode in underside of distributor cap
9.Loose or broken high tension wire from coil to cap
10.Condenser burned out or grounding (some condensers are too long and can touch the distributor body inside)
11.Weak coil
12.Rotor not turning due to loose cam screw or bad timing gear.


Ok now break out a volt meter (a light bulb can give false readings).
Start at the fuse block, you should have voltage on both sides of the fuse. If you only have voltage on one side, replace the fuse or fuse block.

Now with voltage on both sides of the fuse, move up to the junction box. There should be voltage at both terminals. If voltage is present only on one side the problem is at the ampmeter and you should Jumper the ampmeter for now.
You should have voltage on both sides of the coil. If not,
remove the red wire on the coil and check again. If you now have voltage on both sides, you have a problem further on. If the voltage is still only in one side you have a bad coil.

Open the points with a piece of paper and remove the condenser. Turn the key on and you should have voltage at the points.
Replace the condenser and you should still have voltage.

If the voltage is missing, remove the top plate and check for voltage on the bottom plate.

Check if the connector from the ignition switch screwed in too far? Do you have voltage on the wire to the upper plate?

Is this wire shorting to ground or broken?

Remove the paper from the points and see that the points are closed. You should not have 0 volts at the points. If you do, the points are dirty or the distributor is not grounded well to the engine.
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Old 06-01-2021, 04:06 PM   #5
Anteek29
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Default Re: Model A no spark

After doing the steps outlined above in #4, please let us know what you find.
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Old 06-01-2021, 09:14 PM   #6
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Default Re: Model A no spark

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Check to make sure the points are opening properly. Poor point blocks will wear down and then the points won't open. Lube the cam too.
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Old 06-01-2021, 09:33 PM   #7
daren007
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Default Re: Model A no spark

Do you own a VOM.
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Old 06-02-2021, 04:42 AM   #8
Rob Doe
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Default Re: Model A no spark

Quote:
Originally Posted by jg61hawk View Post
Here is a copy of a post Mike V posted. Please read the entire post.....If it is the junction box ...should be power on both sides. If not the Amp gauge is bad. Jump across the two lugs of the junction box to bypass meter....

Remove the paper from the points and see that the points are closed. You should not have 0 volts at the points. If you do, the points are dirty or the distributor is not grounded well to the engine.

Sorry, but I'm having trouble with the last paragraph of the above trouble shooting list. Am I confused?
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Old 06-02-2021, 11:04 AM   #9
abachman3
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Default Re: Model A no spark

You are removing the piece of paper from the points that you put their to hold the points open and not make a connection. That is part of the testing procedure to see where all of the electrical connections are and which are functioning correctly.
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Old 06-02-2021, 11:17 AM   #10
jg61hawk
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Default Re: Model A no spark

I think there is a mistake a typo...I believe the following is correct

With the points open (paper inserted) there should be battery voltage at all times. With the points closed ( no paper) there should be 0 volts at all times. [ key on].

The posted "you should not have 0" ...I believe should read "you should have 0" .

I did cut and paste the post, perhaps Mike V can join in and clarify...or any others who know a lot more than me! Thanks. Sorry if I spread the wrong info....
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Old 06-02-2021, 11:26 AM   #11
jg61hawk
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Default Re: Model A no spark

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...olts+key+on%5D

Read # 6 and then 7 of the attached thread.... Points closed 0 volts would be correct.
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Old 06-02-2021, 08:55 PM   #12
Gary WA
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Default Re: Model A no spark

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron McIntyre View Post
My 28 A arrived yesterday and started to back off fine. An hour later no start only turn over.Tried the coil wire to head. No spark. Tried a known coil that is good. No spark. New wiring. NOS amp meter. Can anyone help ?
get it figured out?
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