I have a 1941 Ford Super Delux convertible that was left to me when my father passed. I'm not the flathead expert that he was. I don't think I'm getting any fire when I try to crank it. I pulled a plug and turned it over but didn't see the plug fire. What should my next step be? Thanks for any suggestions.
'41 not firing
- Thread starter PBD
- Start date
gmc1941
Senior Member
Go to www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_startup.htm. This is a article for flatheads that have sat for a while. This will run you through most ererything. Don't call just write more offten,(pun) good luck we need more flatties on the road. Gordon
rotorwrench
Well-known member
Something wrong in the ignition circuit. Voltage to the coil will let you know the wire and ballast resistor are working and breaker points could be crusty as Marv mentioned. The condenser may have given up so that would be a next step especially if your breaker points are pretty ugly looking. If none of that gets you in the ball park it will be time to check the coil out. You may have to find some information about the distributor set up if your dad left any books around for it. It's kind of strange compared to the more modern stuff but it works the same way just drives off the front of the cam uness he put a later motor in it. The later 8BA types from 49 thru 53 have the more modern looking pasenger front side distributor set up.
Kerby
Kerby
Mike in AZ
Well-known member
not sure how the '41 ignition switch works, but is the switch turned on?....not just the key turned, but does a switch have to be flipped like the earlier vehicles??....can be cranking the engine without the switch turned on??...good luck....Mike
PBD put a jumper wire from the NEG terminal of the battery to the terminal of the coil and have someone give it a shot of starting fluid while it is cranking over. You can run it for a while like this but DON"T leave the jumper hooked up more than a minute not running or you will burn the coil up if the points are closed. g.M.