39 ford flathead
 

my car starts when it is cold but when it gets hot and I go to start it will not could some one please tell me how to test a coil 6 volt with a multimeter and what should the reading be thank you tom

Re: 39 ford flathead
 

Is it turning over normally when hot? If it is first pull a plug wire and see if you have spark. If you do that will elimate an electrical problem.

Re: 39 ford flathead
 

Both coils and condensers can act up when hot. Both are difficult to check with out the proper equipment. It would probably be easier to just have the coil rebuilt (if original style) or replace it if it is a "can" coil. Same with the condenser, to me it would just be easier to replace it. It's less likely, but it could also be related to the ballast resistor. You could check that by bypassing the resistor for a short period of time.

Re: 39 ford flathead
 

I did what you suggested and the car started right up I could see the spark jumping from the plug wire,but if I run it for awhile and then go to start it,it will not start could it be the coil thank you

Re: 39 ford flathead
 

Yes, it could be the coil or the condenser, this is a fairly common problem.

Re: 39 ford flathead
 

Both the coil and condenser can make a week spark when
starting. The amp load of the starter pulls the voltage to the
coil way down. Some times it will start when the engine is still
turning just as the start button is released. ALL old Ford coils
are bad when the get hot. Condensers can also act bad when
hot. The sure way to solve the problem is to send your coil to
to Skip in Florida to have it rebuilt with modern high temp
materials. Also send a few condensers so Skip can heat them
up to make sure they work hot. Contact [email protected]
for info. G.M.