electronic ignition for model B engine?

FrankWest

FrankWest

Well-known member
I am still having problems with my model B distributer. What do you think of the electronic ignition systems for a model B distributer? I would like to stay with the original, but if I cannot get it running I will consider anything to get the car running again.
 
Given how fundamentally good (and simple) is the design of a Model B distributor, if you are still having problems, an electronic ignition system won't cure them per se.
 
can't get the spark to jump between the points.
With a screw driver present there is a spark at one side of the points but without the screwdriver there is no spark at all.
 
Not wanting to change the gist of this thread but, I have always wondered why manufacturers did not use a magneto like most of the early tractors. I had a couple old Allis Chalmers tractors made in the 1940s. No matter how cold Iowa winters can be those tractors would start on the second or third revolution of the engine. Everything for a good HOT spark was contained in one package without wires and resistors. Even if the battery was a little weak and could turn the engine a few times they would start. The spring loaded impulse would give a hot spark just by holding the magneto in your hand. The tractors usually were governed so the RPMs seldom exceeded 2500. Possibly the higher RPMs of the flathead V8 and 4cyl engines had something to do with not using the magnetos? Maybe someone has info about this.
 
If you can only get spark by grounding with a screwdriver, there are only 2 things to consider. 1, bad point contacts, 2, low voltage from the coil. Have you checked voltage at all terminals?
 
It took me a long time to learn that the idea a coil would work or it wouldn’t was not correct. A coil can be bad and still work so consider trying a different coil
 
If still 6V POS. Ground you need the + side of the coil to go to the distributor. If wired backwards the coil will still work, but at reduced output.
 

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You should consider investing in a reprint 1928-34 chassis parts catalog. They are inexpensive and answer all manner of basic questions and provide exploded-view illustrations of many components, including one of a '32-'34 four-cylinder distributor. The answer to your earlier question about the attachment of the condenser to the distributor housing is clear as a bell in that illustration and your current question about A and B is answered by the listing of the individual components and their model year application.
 
DavidG said:
You should consider investing in a reprint 1928-34 chassis parts catalog. They are inexpensive and answer all manner of basic questions and provide exploded-view illustrations of many components, including one of a '32-'34 four-cylinder distributor. The answer to your earlier question about the attachment of the condenser to the distributor housing is clear as a bell in that illustration and your current question about A and B is answered by the listing of the individual components and their model year application.
Click to expand...

thanks...I will purchase a copy.
The car was running fine for years and I began to lose touch about trouble shooting and the details of my engine. Until now. I will make sure my existing points are clean and check my voltages. Thanks for your help.
 
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