First time A owner...Help!

[Timbo]

Hello, I traded my '57 Plymouth for a 1930 Ford Tudor. I've never had a Model A but have always wanted one. I've only had the car a few days and already know I'll have it the rest of my life, I love it! I'll post pictures as soon as time permits. The only knowledge I have of Model A's is from this site and watching videos on YouTube.

The car drove home great and I started it a few times but now it won't start. I find that at the points and at the red wire off the coil with the ignition on I only have 2 volts. Now I assume it should be 6 volts but don't know. Could this be a problem?

Thanks, I'll be seeing you soon on here!

[1930artdeco]

Welcome! I am no electrical expert and I am sure Tom will chime in eventually. But assuming you have a good battery and a good ground (That is a must), it may be a bad coil.

Mike

[Mitch//pa]

it depends if the points are open or closed... you will read 6v when the points are open and lose voltage closed. a common issue is oxidized points which you can clean with a file or such and regap..
opening and closing the points manually should create a little spark at the points contacts and also a spark from the coil wire @ 1/4 " from a head nut when the points are operated ///key on..

the moral of the story is ck and see if you have spark at the coil wire. if not clean and gap the points, also make sure the distributor cam turns when cranking the engine.

[Mitch//pa]

oh i forgot and welcome to the club
youll like your A better

[Tom Wesenberg]

The red wire goes to the switch and then to the points, so this is the ground wire and you should show 0 volts with the key on and points closed, as Mitch said.

Since you show 2 volts, that tells me the points contacts must need to be cleaned. A couple strokes with a points file or fine sandpaper should work.

If you have an original popout switch with the original wire, it could also be the original wire is partially shorting to ground, and thus the 2 volt reading. Hold the points open and see if you still show 2 volts. If you do, then the wire or switch is at fault.

[Timbo]

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Thanks guys for the information it was a great learning experience trying to get the car started. I did get it started after a few days under the hood. I now know all about the electrical system and timing. My problem however was not ignition related. My problem was that the car was out of gas!

[1930artdeco]

Well...uh that will do it. Glad you fixed it and are enjoying the car again.

Mike

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

The red wire goes to the switch and then to the points, so this is the ground wire and you should show 0 volts with the key on and points closed, as Mitch said.

Since you show 2 volts, that tells me the points contacts must need to be cleaned. A couple strokes with a points file or fine sandpaper should work.

If you have an original popout switch with the original wire, it could also be the original wire is partially shorting to ground, and thus the 2 volt reading. Hold the points open and see if you still show 2 volts. If you do, then the wire or switch is at fault.

Welcome aboard !
The expert has spoken. A good piece of advice is pay attention to what Tom tells you. He knows what he speaks of. Always great to have an expert in your corner. Wayne
Wayne

[700rpm]

Spark, compression, timing, and FUEL are all that you need to start the car. Welcome to the greatest hobby ever.

[loubob]

Timbo;

Welcome to the Barn.
Also in ref. to your recent problem: Been there-Done that.
Loubob

[ericr]

sounds like the gas gauge float is petrified.

[jwaldrich]

"No one can make me feel as stupid as I can".

I'm new to A's but semi T proficient. The learning fun and experience never ends.

[oldwoodsman]

Originally Posted by Timbo

Thanks guys for the information it was a great learning experience trying to get the car started. I did get it started after a few days under the hood. I now know all about the electrical system and timing. My problem however was not ignition related. My problem was that the car was out of gas!

Welcome Timbo. This is a great place to learn from a bunch of helpful people. Sounds like you're learning about the fuel system too

[newshirt]

Rrrr Rrrr Rrrr Rrrr

[Ted in MN]

Welcome to the hobby!
Be certain to disconnect the battery before working on your gas gauge. Any spark will be memorable.

[cdlwingnut]

In a few years we will be seeing posts that say "please help, i had the model A plugged in all night and it still wont go"

[Big hammer]

Wecome to the barn! First time A owner! I to am a first time A owner, purchased in 1970 :-) still have it! Lots of good people here with know how, I learned from school of hard luck and still learning!

[29Cabriolet]

Originally Posted by loubob

Timbo;

Welcome to the Barn.
Also in ref. to your recent problem: Been there-Done that.
Loubob

Ditto
This was the first run out after removing and repairing the tank. But in the process, since most everything had to be removed from the firewall to allow the removal of the tank, I replaced many ignition parts and wiring. That's why my first suspicion of the problem was ignition. (That's my story and I'm sticking too it!)

[180 a]

Good Trade !!!!!

[armchair67]

Welcome! I'm a relative Newbie also. What model 57 Plymouth? I do live the 57-8 Fury and Belvedere! Love my 31 Tudor also.