Model A won’t start
 

I know I know, a thread about starting issues. I drove my 28 Phaeton to a local car show (about 2 miles away). I got there fine, parked. I started it and went to leave 2 hours later. It backfired a few times. I limped it home. Now the starter will turn it over, but it doesn’t want to run. I’ve had a few backfires, but it isn’t running.

Here is what I have checked so far

I had it on the trickle charger all night
It has gas in it, and I pulled the line at the carb and plenty of gas is flowing.
I redid the timing to specifications
I checked the timing gear for any missing teeth
I redid the gaps on the points and rotor to spec
I pulled the coil wire and held it up to the head and have a good spark there
I cleaned the plugs
I checked the black wire in the distributor
Changed the condenser

What else could it be? Would it be the pop out switch?

Re: Model A won’t start
 

If the coil wire is giving you a consistent good spark check the distributor cap button. Take a plug out and see if you are getting spark there. If not it is something in the cap or housing.

Re: Model A won’t start
 

Do you have an original pop out switch?

Re: Model A won’t start
 

Take your gas cap off and try to start car.

Might be plugged vent in cap.

Good luck.

Re: Model A won’t start
 

When it will not start, does the ammeter wiggle a little bit? If it does then the Primary coil circuit is functioning (coil, wiring and connections, condenser, points). This may not work on a 28 if the wiring is not modified. Then as metioned by wmws above check heck sencondary circuit - pull a plug, ground the plug, turn on the ignition, turn over the motor via the switch on the starter, see if you have a nice blue spark at the plug (there are other methods of doing this, this is my preferred way).


To see if it is fuel/carb issue - Try spraying quick start into air intake of the carb, if it tries to run then fuel/carb issue. - do not overdo the quick start, too much is not good for the motor.

Re: Model A won’t start
 

Remove the carburetor drain plug and see if you have gas in it.

Re: Model A won’t start
 

Guys, sorry for the delayed response! I really appreciate all the help. Today is the first day I can get back out there and try with the model A. I’ll let you know what happens. Thank you

Re: Model A won’t start
 

I'd take the carburetor off and spray some carb cleaner through the jets. Backfiring is often a sign of fuel starvation. That is, if your further electrical check, as suggested by 30 Closed Cab PU above, shows spark at the plug gap. Might be some dirt or rust flake in there. While you're at it, check your carb gasket. A leaky one can also cause backfiring. Let us know what you find.