My A coupe won't start...... again!

Although I got it started, I very much doubt that it's fixed. I never really did find a smoking gun. I found a lot of remote possibilities though. Another remote symptom might be that it misses as I'm winding it up and sometimes when I'm in cruise mode. I always considered this to be separate problem that I would get to later. But in light of this problem, it makes one wonder. Also, On two occasions, I found the fuses burned out. I blamed this on too small a fuse (20Amp) Replaced it and went on my way. But...... who knows?
Terry
 
Since the black wire is always feeding 6 volts negative to the coil, you can use a jumper wire from the starter to the coil stud, and this will bypass the fuse, terminal box, and ammeter. You can leave it on for a few weeks and see if the car starts every time.
 
A replica ignition switch gave me intermittent problems like those described here. It was the higher priced one from Bratton's. When turned on, there was no continuity between the two terminals. I would jiggle the key and sometimes it would make continuity for a while. I finally took it apart to see what was the matter. It was filled with grease (???). I cleaned out all the grease real good and re-assembled it. It then made continuity and has ever since.

If you are running an unrestored original Electrolock ignition switch set, that could also cause intermittent problems. Over the years, the wire inside the armor cable deteriorates from heat and can ground out intermittently.
 
Ignition Switch Test:

If anyone wants to see a wiring diagram and an electrical continuity ignition switch test involving both a Model A ignition switch, and a possible shorted "old" wire inside the Model A armored cable leading to the distributor, Bratton's Catalog, under "Ignition Switches & Cables" has such a diagram indicating verifying the proper function of the Model A ignition switch.
 
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I hope you found your problem ,if not trying to find out the exact gremlin can be challenging to say the least . You can buy or make a bypass for the ignition that screws into the distributor base and clamp to the terminal box . This would help narrow it down if that nasty gremlin returns .Best of luck to you . Joe
 
Marshall V. Daut said:
How many of the 5,000,000 Model A's left the factory with a fuse on the starter switch? I forget... :)
Marshall
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I would have to point out that when they left the factory, they had brand new wiring and good original parts. I'm betting Henry's headlight connectors weren't known for shorting out like many of the replacement ones do.

I've seen lots of old cars, both here on FB, and in person, that still have original wiring in terrible shape. If everyone replaced all their wiring, headlight connectors, etc, with quality parts like Henry built them with, then fuses would be more of an option then a good safety item.

( and yes, I did see the :) )
 
cpf240 said:
I've seen lots of old cars, both here on FB, and in person, that still have original wiring in terrible shape. If everyone replaced all their wiring, headlight connectors, etc, with quality parts like Henry built them with, then fuses would be more of an option then a good safety item.
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Very true.
 
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