Car will not start

[ian Simpson]

"Ok now break out a volt meter (a light bulb can give false readings)."

How does the bulb give a false reading?

If it lights bright, you have voltage. If it doesn't light you have no voltage. Always test the light first to be sure the bulb isn't burned out. I find a test light to be a handy inexpensive tool.

I agree with Tom. An indication of voltage present by use of a meter does not guarantee that sufficient current will flow to perform the required function. Corrosion and loose connections can impede current flow but not affect the voltage meter reading. I have a good digital multi-meter, an AVO 9 meter (look it up) and a test light. My favourite tool for fault finding is the test light.

Once you establish that the battery and/or generator have sufficient voltage - Use a good test light, you are looking for current flow not a voltage!

 

[H. L. Chauvin]

FWIW:

I just hope none of the new Model A owners get confused with trying to diagnose the simple electrical system of such simple vehicles as our Model A's.

I sincerely believe if someone can "see" whether a flashlight has been turned "On" or "Off", he or she will definitely be able to repair the very simple electrical system of a simple Model A Ford with either a test lamp, a multi-meter, or just watching sparks fly when his live wires touch a ground.

Our highways were once overcrowded with these simple Model A & T Ford vehicles, owned & repaired by some of the most simple people who were lucky enough to have obtained at least a 3rd grade education.

 

[NeillB]

looked at the car last night found the fuse at the starter was bad it was not blow just burnt inside so at first look I thought it was good, after ck with meter fixed that problem.I looked at the ignition switch that was ok but the terminals on the AMP meter were loose tightened them cleaned up all the connections on the terminal block I am now getting 6vdc at the coil and the terminal blocks. I am getting ok spark at the coil wire when I open and close the points I plan on resetting the point gap and resetting the spark timimng tonight this should help also.
One question I have is what is the correct size of fuse to use I have a 30a fuse right now is that gd ?

thanks again for all the help.

 

[Mitch//pa]

I use 30a

 

[H. L. Chauvin]

Hi Neil,

If you have one of those aftermarket "hit & miss"safety fuse devices, (with the fuse exposed to the elements), bolted to your starter, many have reported of their failure in the past.

If interested, you may want to call Electrical Engineer Mr. John Regan, President of Fun Projects, Inc., at (630) 584-1471, to ask about his far more reliable weatherproof AFK-1 Model A 20 amp fuse holders that he offers for about $7.00. (Just paint it black).

He has had several people call him to relate sad stories about being towed and/or being left on the side of the highway during tours because of similar malfunctioning safety fuse devices attached to their starters.

Just like everyone else, good to hear you got it going -- Model A's are so simple.

Hope this helps.

 

[JBill]

Fun Projects, Inc. (referred to in #25 above), has a website where you can see a photograph of the fuse holder. Also has instructions for ordering. As H. L. says, it's $7.00.

 

[CarlG]

...If you have one of those aftermarket "hit & miss"safety fuse devices, (with the fuse exposed to the elements), bolted to your starter, many have reported of their failure in the past...

I use one of these, velcro'd to the firewall. Not original, but works great. (Of course, the one on the starter isn't original either.)