1947 V8 Ford hard starting

[Vintage Copper 47]

Ok.. so my flathead SIX, (12 volt) is dialed in and starts every time. My friend's stock 47 V8 (6 volt) starter always turns over but doesn't want to start. We can push/pull/bump start it and it runs fine. The coil was replaced recently as well as the condenser. Sometimes it will start after cranking a few extra times, many other times it won't. it doesn't matter if engine is hot or cold... It is getting spark.. I am just wondering if it is the ballast resistor or something else like the lead from the ignition key (still has starter button on the dash) might have a bad lead that makes it short out once in a while?

Please help Fordbarners.. My friend is a luddite and refuses to log on to fordbarn..
but he sure can buy crap on ebay!

Thanks, WALT

[40cpe]

You say it is getting spark, but question the resistor? Have you tried adding fuel to the carb when it won't start? There is a thread over on the Early V8 forum on voltage checking now. It is going to take a little detective work to track it down.

[fordscript]

Check that the earth strap from the back of the r/h head is connected to the firewall. I have had this problem...engine will crank over fine, but not start.

[big job]

I would jump the coil directly to the battery with jumper wire then try it. That will
rule out a weak resistor. I still will never figure why only Ford used a resistor no other
maker did. I must be a coil thing. And then no resistor on 1949 & up?? Then it has
been said if you use a regular coil you don't use a resistor. I have a regular beer can
coil on my 46 & its instant start . sam

[34pickup]

Best thing I ever did is convert my 48 to 12 volts.Starts every time before a full revolution is over.

[Vintage Copper 47]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by big job

I would jump the coil directly to the battery with jumper wire then try it. That will
rule out a weak resistor. I still will never figure why only Ford used a resistor no other
maker did. I must be a coil thing. And then no resistor on 1949 & up?? Then it has
been said if you use a regular coil you don't use a resistor. I have a regular beer can
coil on my 46 & its instant start . sam

My friend doesn't listen to me enough.. he bought the coil on ebay.. I told him to send his old coil to Skip Haney.. he just gives me a blank stare. My friend has many cars & motorcycles. But this is his only flathead ford. He doesn't have the passion for the engine, so his knowledge is limited.