won't start problems

D

DaveBPT

Member
Working on a 28 Pickup. Excellent engine. Died while driving. Checking all the basics. No spark at points. No power at coil with switch off. Good battery. Might be condenser. How do I remove condenser with distributor on engine or is it possible? What else should I check? Ignition switch?
 
Do you have a fuse at the starter ?
Do the lights work ?
Could be as simple as a poor battery connection.

Time to get a wiring diagram and test light then get your hands dirty. It shouldn't be difficult to fix.
 
Here's a couple
 

Attachments

  • bf13118b629cbfc2bb1154f76548ace4.jpg
    bf13118b629cbfc2bb1154f76548ace4.jpg
    24.3 KB · Views: 39
  • ModelAwiringdiagram-FloydClymer.jpg
    ModelAwiringdiagram-FloydClymer.jpg
    65.4 KB · Views: 38
  • WiringDiagram.jpg
    WiringDiagram.jpg
    82.8 KB · Views: 36
I'm a relative newbie to Model A's but not to cars in general. The fuse you mentioned is the one on the starter? If so already checked and replaced. The wiring to the lights and horn is not currently connected. I will be checking agian with the test light and will check the wiring under the distributor plate. Is the a way to remove condenser with distributor in the engine? It appears to have no access to the ground screw.
 
See Tom's post #5 above.
Make sure those "not connected" wires are not grounding out somewhere. Without lights to indicate "switch on" there could be a short in that circuit.
Keep digging, you'll get it. Enjoy the adventure.
 
I think it depends on which manifold is being used would depend on whether the condenser can be changed. But, it only takes a couple minutes to remove the distributor. The ignition timing doesn't have to re set in these monsters when reinstalling the distributor.
 
If engine has the armoured cable going from distributor which is bolted to one of the head bolts ... drain radiator BEFORE loosening the head nut so that coolant does not end up in oil pan.
 
So after a couple of hours and replacing 2 condensers it still won't start. I have power all the way to the points at about 6 volts. The exhuast manifold has the heat exchanger on the top so I had to pull distributor to change condensers. Not too bad. Charged the battery and cranks well. rest point gap and retimed according to book. No visible spark with cranking. Any ideas?
 
DaveBPT said:
Working on a 28 Pickup. Excellent engine. Died while driving. Checking all the basics. No spark at points. No power at coil with switch off. Good battery. Might be condenser. How do I remove condenser with distributor on engine or is it possible? What else should I check? Ignition switch?
Click to expand...

Do you have power at coil and points now. Is there no spark at plugs. How did you suddenly get power to points. I'm thinking this could be intermittent problem like a loose wire somewhere or the wire between the upper and lower plate in distributer.
 
You should have 6 volts all the time on one side of the coil, and with the key ON and engine cranking, the other side should go back and forth from voltage to ground, as the points open and close. Connect your analog volt meter and watch for the needle to bounce as the points open and close, or watch your test light flicker on and off.
 
I have power at the coil and points now. Power at both sides of coil with switch off and drivers side with switch on. The rotor does turn. There is spark at the points when I set the timing with a light per Les Andrews but no spark when cranking. I pulled the points plate off to look and found a newer style wireless lower plate that has power to it. Tried a different rotor. Was able to get a spark through high voltage lead to ground with manually opening points.
 
Start it with the hand crank. I had the same problem a few years ago, but after hand starting the engine and letting it run a few minutes, all was fine again.

BTW, those wireless lower plates are garbage, and that's where it would be if it came on my car.
 
shut my pickup down after a short drive,would not start again no how. coasted it down a small incline,popped the clutch and it started immediately.has never happened again,knock on wood,this was 2years ago.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top