changing parts

[George Miller]

Changing parts to get a dead engine running is not the best way. Most of the time it just makes it harder to fix.

First check for spark at a plug, if none check at the points. If there is none there check for voltage from the points tell you find the problem. Make sure the points are open or put paper between the contacts.

Place to look. fuse if you have one. amp meter, loose wires at the terminal box, bad wire to pop out switch, plus all the wires from the starter to the coil.
The condenser has been a problem in the past, but the new ones seem to be much better. Also the old wire running from the points to the lower plate can have broken strands. Replace with a wire with at least a 100 strands.
On dist. that have a new lower plate make sure the cable from the switch is not screwed in to far.

[Patrick L.]

So I take it there was a problem.

[Mike V. Florida]

He is referring to those that when they have a problem change a dozen or so parts all at once to try to repair a problem. The shotgun approach.

[Purdy Swoft]

I agree!!!

[Patrick L.]

Yes, I know, but, it sounds as though he is speaking from experience too.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Dog here,
Sometimes problems are so SIMPLE! Like, since the ammpmeter nuts look like they should be finger tightened, that don't work, they'll git HOT! You gotta' use pliers on them!
Buster T.

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

Yes, I know, but, it sounds as though he is speaking from experience too.

I only put that on there for people to see a better way to fix there cars. Changing a lot of parts for simple problem only makes it harder to fix.
It's not that hard to check to see if you have a spark, then trace it down to where the problem is.
Yes I worked on cars all my working life. They always have the same Symptoms for the same problem. But if you change a lot of parts and mess up some thing else. Then all bets are off.

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by George Miller

I only put that on there for people to see a better way to fix there cars. Changing a lot of parts for simple problem only makes it harder to fix.
It's not that hard to check to see if you have a spark, then trace it down to where the problem is.
Yes I worked on cars all my working life. They always have the same Symptoms for the same problem. But if you change a lot of parts and mess up some thing else. Then all bets are off.

OK, understood

[mshmodela]

Yes, introducing too many changes at one time will surely make troubleshooting any problem worse...

[tbirdtbird]

he is trying to make people thinkers with a logical approach out of parts-replacers with a random approach

[jmeckel]

Long ago I learned that very fact working on electronics, use a schematic and follow the paths, use a logical process. Parts swapping at random is what we called "shotgun troubleshooting" and almost never results in the actual problem being found and fixed. I try to educate my employees on this type of troubleshooting, seems like a dying skill, some can learn it, some can not. Many of the same issues seem to get hashed over here.... over and over. Maybe a "top 10 issues troubleshooting guide" that is a link right at the top would help those looking for help. Or some well named, strategically placed links to other sites that have already tackled this issue would help. I do not mind answering the same questions, just does not seem very efficient use of time or space.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

He is referring to those that when they have a problem change a dozen or so parts all at once to try to repair a problem. The shotgun approach.

The shotgun approach can blow up in your face.

[azmodela]

Good advice that more need to use!

You are making a fire, you need a fuel and a spark. If you have a spark but no fuel, you don't change the condenser. The root of most engine issues are this basic.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

Model A's need to be tinkered with from time to time to keep them running. If model A owners would take a basic night course in automotive repair at there vo tech school it would make owning a old car a fun hobby, instead of a nightmare every time something needs fixing and you do not have a clue what to do. A 2 or 3 month course would make a big difference.

What do they teach now in an automotive class? I would think it would no longer include carburetors, point ignition, generators, ammeters, and the like. Do you think they would hit on drum brakes?

With all the antique, classic and generally old cars out there, maybe there would be a demand for such a course.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Installing a "rebuilt" carb or dist that's been hauled around in the back of someones' car for 7 1/2 years, is like playing the Roulette Wheel!
Bill W.

[H. L. Chauvin]

Won't start ???????

Small gas engines, tractors, outboard motors, inboard motors, vintage vehicles ????

1. Turn switch off, choke engine, rotate engine about 4-5 revolutions.

2. Immediately remove spark plugs & if wet with gas, no fuel problem ... if dry, fuel problem. At this point, 99% of the times, you are already 50% into the wont start fix zone.

3. Next, turn switch on with plugs out & rotate engine ..... plugs fire, no electrical problem ... no fire at plugs, electrical problems.

4. Quick & efficient vintage military mechanic's test ... just no time to guess, tinker, & farteround when an engine dies in a combat zone.

Hope this helps.