Name this engine part

[Wedgetail]

What is this component in my engine compartment? (1940 Deluxe Fordor). It is a black cylinder with bright red tape in the lower right corner. It is not original and is mounted above the horns. It has a tube, possibly a vacuum hose that goes to the top of the distributor, and a positive wire that comes from the terminal on top of the distributor. Recently, the tube fell out and drips oil and the car won’t start without plugging it back in.

 

[cas3]

That is an ignition coil. Its replacing the original which should be on top the dizzy

 

[Alan O'Connell]

It's the coil.

 

[Wedgetail]

Ah, so it is, thanks for the quick reply.

 

[aussie merc]

ps if it drips oil its time to replace it

 

[deuce_roadster]

What flows in that "tube" is high voltage electricity.

 

[Bored&Stroked]

One could unplug the end of the little "vacuum" hose from the distributor side and suck on it while cranking over the engine - to see how much vacuum is being generated . . .

Just kidding - don't do what I just said . . . as you'd get a heck of a ZAP from the coil - right into your mouth!

 

[PeteVS]

Is the "coil replacement" plate a common part to do what was done here?

 

[T Scott]

One could unplug the end of the little "vacuum" hose from the distributor side and suck on it while cranking over the engine - to see how much vacuum is being generated . . .

Just kidding - don't do what I just said . . . as you'd get a heck of a ZAP from the coil - right into your mouth!

Don't pee on it while the engine is running either!!

 

[Mart]

Is the "coil replacement" plate a common part to do what was done here?

Yes, those conversion plates have been available for a long time. I ran one on my first flathead.

 

[mercman from oz]

Replacement Coil on 1940 Ford Deluxe Fordor Sedan - Wedgetail