Jack Bahm's video

Licensed to kill

Well-known member
I had watched Jack Bahm's video on timing the model a but something is goofy with my car. I made up a 6V test light and hooked it up as shown in the video. However, with my car, the light stays on no matter what. Ignition on, points open or closed, ignition off, points open or closed the light is always on. The car starts and runs fine and shuts off with the key but obviously something aint right. Thoughts?
 
I had watched Jack Bahm's video on timing the model a but something is goofy with my car. I made up a 6V test light and hooked it up as shown in the video. However, with my car, the light stays on no matter what. Ignition on, points open or closed, ignition off, points open or closed the light is always on. The car starts and runs fine and shuts off with the key but obviously something aint right. Thoughts?

How is the test light hooked up? I can't find the video right now.....



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Here is the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwirH7f0a9o I don't have LA's book but the video is pretty clear and straight forward, just the way I like it. If the coil is turned 180 degrees in it holder I would have it on the wrong one but it is on the red one that goes to the drivers side of the terminal block and I also tried gong straight to the arm of the points with the same results.
 
I'm replacing the wiring harness from the junction block to the starter/generator and want to be sure that it is correct (it might be backward s and causing my issue with the test light). . Right now the + side of the coil is to the passenger side and the generator wire goes to junction box, then through a red wire to the - side of the coil. Is this correct?. I don't know what if any affect there would be to reversed polarity on the coil but it must be labeled + and - for a reason. I found several wiring diagrams on line but, for some reason NONE of the ones I found show the polarity.
 
I'm replacing the wiring harness from the junction block to the starter/generator and want to be sure that it is correct (it might be backward s and causing my issue with the test light). . Right now the + side of the coil is to the passenger side and the generator wire goes to junction box, then through a red wire to the - side of the coil. Is this correct?. I don't know what if any affect there would be to reversed polarity on the coil but it must be labeled + and - for a reason. I found several wiring diagrams on line but, for some reason NONE of the ones I found show the polarity.

Below is how it was wired when new. Perhaps it will help you sort things out...
 

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Thanks DB. I saved that schematic for future reference but for my current situation, it doesn't show the polarity of the coil. I did as Bob C suggested and tried the other side of the coil and the test light goes on and off like it should. I found a site that describes how to check the polarity of the coil so as soon as I can put the pan back on and put oil in it, I will check that out
 
For running the engine in the frame or on a test stand, the coil polarity is no big deal.

When the engine is working hard, coil polarity might make a difference.

I drove my 28 for a few years before I noticed the polarity of the coil was wrong.
 
Vendors sell a polarity tester for $25.00. Get one for the club tool box. They also sell one for testing how much spark you are getting. About $18.00.
 
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