Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

B

Bobs29ModelA

Senior Member
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

I've just installed a Transpark Universal pointless ignition system in my '31 Ford Model A.

The installation instructions were easy to follow, and after triple-checking all connections, I now find that I am able to crank the engine, but no matter what I do, I still cannot get the engine to actually start, much less run.

I've gone back 3 times and retraced my wiring and connections, and I still believe everything is correct. I've also found TDC (on #1 cylinder) and verified that the rotor's position is in the proper location at TDC. I also followed their test procedures and have confirmed that the coil IS providing a spark at all four cylinders as needed. Yet, no matter what I do, the engine only cranks but will not start.

Has anyone ever installed one of these systems, and/or, had problems with getting it to work properly?
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

Have you tried contacting who you bought it from or the manufacturer??
Paul in CT
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

I've had various problems with an electronic ignition distributor. I reciently replaced it with the stock system and the car runs better than ever.
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

I'm going to check tomorrow with the manufacturer, for any advice they might be able to give. However, all my testing (including some I did again tonight) shows that their product is working just fine, and that the spark was being delivered to the cylinders... yet, its still not even trying to start.
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

If the ignition circuit is delivering spark to each cylinder at top dead center on COMPRESSION, then that means the camshaft and gears are OK, and I'd be looking for a fuel problem. If you pull the choke knob for a couple compression strokes, you should see some fuel dripping from the carb.

For the engine to fire you need compression, fuel, and spark at the RIGHT time.
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

Try some starter spray to see if it is a fuel problem.

Did you ever get the car to run with the stock system?
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

Is the car 6 volts or 12? I have heard of weak 6 volt batteries, under the load of cranking an engine, not putting out enough voltage to produce a spark with those electronic ignition boxes.

With the symptoms you describe, your "cam" and rotor may be 180 degrees out, and your spark is happening at TDC of the exhaust stroke, not the compression stroke.

My dad had a similar problem once with a '53 Olds after an engine rebuild. He discovered that he forgot to hook the throttle linkage back up to the carb. It is often the simplest of things that trip us up. Do you put the rotor back inside the distributor? Turn the fuel valve back on? Sure you have fuel?

I had my needle valve up inside the carb "glue itself shut" once when fuel dried on it. Carb cleaner spray was required to free it; tapping with a screwdriver handle would not do it.

Good luck with it.

Jim/TX

PS - I took the electronic ignition off my car and went back to points (modern style)
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

You need help. Call the local Model A club or get the Les Andrews book Vol 1. Try the simple electronic ignition made by Pertronix.
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

mrtexas said:
You need help. Call the local Model A club or get the Les Andrews book Vol 1. Try the simple electronic ignition made by Pertronix.
Click to expand...

FS ignitions makes the best kit around, and its super easy to install. And they will stand behind their product.
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

How did you find TDC? Did you use the timing pin? How did you verify the proper rotor position? Did you read how to do it in a book?
There is a book out there, and I'm not positive which book it is, that accurately describes how to use the timing pin and then goes on to describe setting the rotor by positioning it "opposite" of #1. More that one person reading that pointed the rotor at #4, which is opposite of #1. I just witnessed that again the other day.
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

Yes, I used the timing pin to locate TDC on cylinder #1. And, yep, I've seen that passage in both the Les Andrews book and the Transpark installation instructions, and I can see why someone might become confused and point it "opposite" of the #1 contact.

As of yesterday, I was able to start it but the only way to keep it running is to keep the choke handle mostly pulled out; if you let it go in at all, the revs start dropping and it backfires. I have a new carburetor coming in on Monday, so hopefully that will be a bit of help, as the original one is a dirty, leaky mess. Even though this carb was in there before, and the engine ran with both the old carb and antiquated points, the problems I've been having have only happened with the electronic conversion kit. And, the manufacturer's rep has only been able to tell me to make sure that the gap is set to .003" (which it is now). Anyway, hopefully the new carburetor will be of some help in all this...
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

I'd suggest putting a timing light on it as I'd suspect timing if it is backfiring.
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

Here's the interesting thing... since my last post, I installed a brand-new carburetor, to no avail. Tried two more carbs on there, to no avail. I then decided to convert it all back to the original points-style configuration, but using the more "modern" points system offered by Nu-Rex. I'd also installed a 6-volt alternator in there, along with a new ignition switch. Rather than use the old-fashioned armored-cable-with-spring-loaded-contact connection (another trouble spot), I simply ran a heavy wire from the ignition switch down through the distributor base and connected it directly to the points. I now had a confirmed 6-VDC to the points, and the car started-up immediately... as long as you pulled the choke (regardless of whether the engine was hot or cold).

I ran it for a week this way, even making its first 30-mile trip, before it started running lousy again and then finally stopped running. I once again find myself with an engine that won't even start, even though there's plenty of juice and spark everywhere there should be... and I've set (and re-set) the timing to specs again and again... sheesh!
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

Been running my 29 for 50 years with the old fashioned igniton, carb, generator, armored cable, 6 volt battery, etc. Guess I never knew I needed to get rid of all that stuff to get to run right.
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

It is (or, rather, "was") running just fine (for a week) on 6-volts, with standard points... before it once again stopped running on me! Not sure how it can start and run just fine like that, then go back to being my "no start" problem-child... but, I agree with you, it should be running fine as gawd and nature intended... just like it was first built.
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

Ck the ignition switch. Went to the bank tonite, the girls oohed and aweed, then I went out to start, wouldn't, lights, signals, etc, step on starter, nothing. Got two guys coming out of the packy to push me, started. Drove home, started normal 4 times in driveway, switch coming out in the am.
Paul in CT
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

I'm with Ned on this. I find the original ignition parts to be the most reliable, and easiest to work on.

Do the easiest checks first to confirm if it's fuel, or spark related. Turn the key on, ****** in nuetral, hold the coil wire 1/4" from a head nut, then push the starter switch and look for a good blue spark. If you have a good spark, then check for fuel flow. Fuel should be dripping from the carb intake if you pull the choke while cranking through a couple compression strokes.

Since you said it was running good for a week, then wouldn't start, you mght find an obstruction in the fuel line or gas tank.
 
Re: TRANSPARK UNIVERSAL Ignition System problems

Did you press the little magnetic collar onto the cam up-side-down? The magnets sound like they aren't working at the right time.
 
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