DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

My first post here on the Ford Barn, so I apologize if it's a little long winded...

*my background* I have older Fords cars/trucks from 60's-90's. I'd classify them as good summertime drivers, decent, but nothing show quality. I wanted to get something I would consider nice to everyone that would see it... something that the wife and I could take our parents/or friends out in, for a cruise or out to dinner for the night. Mustang GT's or old Ford trucks weren't cutting it, so I was on the look out for something (Ford of course) full size, classic and not modified, but plain old factory stock. I was looking for a nice 60's-70's Lincoln Continental, or a full size Ford from early 70's and older. I came across a 1948 Ford Super Deluxe 8, 2-door sedan that was exactly what I was looking for. Went and inspected it, and was very happy with what I seen (no rust anywhere, no leaks and good paint, tires, brakes) We negotiated down to my price range, and I bought it, and took it home. It runs great (59ab flathead) and it drives just as good as it look. Only there is a few hang ups to work out...

When you would start it, it starts right up and runs great, but after it warms up (operating temperature * 10 minutes) if you shut it off, it will no longer start/run for about an hour. It just turns over, and won't fire. Let it sit for an hour, and it fires right up and again runs great. It was like that all summer. Now this fall, I was going to pull it out of the barn so I could jockey around cars for winter storage, and it would not start at all. It turns over fine, but just would not attempt to run what so ever.

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

Have the coil or condenser been replaced recently?

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

I know the previous owner just put a new coil on it, right before I bought it. As for a condenser, that I don't know.

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

My avatar although not stock had the same problem when I got it. Turned out the coil was bad.

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

I have had new coils that were no good. I went thru 4 NAPA coils a couple of years ago very frustrating!!

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

First, replace the condenser to see if that resolves your starting problem. If that doesn't work, replace the coil with a known working coil. If that doesn't work, at least you'll have a spare coil and condenser that can be used in the future, If there is a EFV8 Club Regional Group near you, join it....

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

Is it getting fuel? Crank it over a couple times, then look in the carb and move the throttle and see if there’s fuel squirting in. Check for spark at the plugs. Report back with whatever one you don’t have......Mark

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

That sounds like typical coil or condenser issue. Is the car still 6v? If so is the battery positive post connected to ground and the negative post connected to the starter solenoid (that is the correct setup)? Is the coil (+) terminal connected to the distributor post to the condenser and the (-) terminal connected to the ignition switch? Are you sure it is the correct coil for a 6v Ford (~1.5 ohms)?

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

During some of the "hot no start" condition, i did dump some fuel down the carb, and another time tried a squirt or two of Ether, and it didn't make a difference. So I'd assume it's and electrical/ignition problem when warmed up?

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

Brand new 6- volt battery, and car is positive/ground

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

Welcome to the ‘Barn. And the fun with flatheads. Replace things one at a time following advice give here and hopefully you’ll be up and running, havin fun again. Mike

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

I think you’re on the right track with it being an electrical issue.....have you checked all the suggestions in post #8 ?........Mark

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

Is the cranking speed slow when warm? I went through that, and it was a resistance issue. If it is cranking slow you may not be getting sufficient voltage to the coil while cranking. Mine was an issue with the cable to the starter but grounding issues are more common. My point is, if it is cranking slow you are using too much voltage cranking to supply enough voltage to power the coil.

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

Another please tell us your location request.

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

I have not, as its 15° out in the barn currently. I want to get a game plan going, for once the weather breaks

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

Holland Michigan, three miles from the lake shore.

(Ill update my profile)

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

To me it turns over at the same rate if it is cold or warm. I did removed the starter and cleaned where it mounts, cleaned the starter surface mounts and made sure all the battery cables were nice and shiny on all ends, along with where they mount, to make sure everything was/is getting a good connection for voltage resistance.

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

Thank you for the welcome, and the advice from all others so far, it is much appreciated

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

It’s cold out in my barn too!!!!......so I stay in the house on this “Barn”.......you’ll love it this spring when your driving it!!!....Mark

Re: DEAD: 1948 Super Deluxe 8 Sedan
 

Are you sure you have the right size battery cables? 6 volt uses the larger cables and many times they are replaced by the smaller 12 volt cables. Smaller cables = resistance.