I Love Hearing it Crank, but I Would Love Hearing it Run Even More.

[WBF]

Hello, I'm trying to get my '34 started and can't figure it out, so thought i'd ask for some advice. The engine has the original style, dive helmet distributor but I installed the kit for a modern coil and condenser. First, I checked to make sure i'm getting plenty of good fuel to the carburetor. That checks out. I then pulled a spark plug to check for spark and as i crank the engine over the plug sparks nicely a few times, then doesn't spark anymore after. I've pulled the caps, checked the points with a dental mirror, and checked to make sure wires were in the correct order. All is good. Also, all the nuts up under the dash are tight. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Ken/Alabama]

The ignition switch could be dirty or burned causing a high resistance.Place a jumper wire between the two terminals on the back of the switch. If that’s not it I’d change the condenser.

[Flathead Fever]

Is it still 6-volts positive ground.. Positive wire on the new coil going to the distributor. Negative wire from the switch. The opposite of modern cars. It should still run either way but it won't work as well. Does the new coil have an internal resister, you do not want to run it along with the original resister. The first thing to check is the voltage at the coil with the key on and the points open or the wire disconnected from the coil. If the points are closed, you will not get the correct voltage reading. If the voltage is low, then do a voltage drop test to find out where the excessive resistance is located. You can also bypass the switch with a wire from the coil directly to the battery. That way it will eliminate everything but the coil, distributer and condenser. Just don't do it for very long or you could damage the coil.

[cadillac512]

WBF-
Also check to see if maybe the coil adapter spring (where the adapter makes contact with the distributor) is leaning to the rear and touching the distributor housing when you bolt it down. That spring runs very close and will ground the ignition if it touches the housing. Mine did .

Also, modern condensers have been known to be lousy so keep that in mind as well.



Terry

[WBF]

Thanks for the replies. Those are all good responses. I'll work on it more tomorrow. In the long run, I'm considering installing a 3 bolt distributor with electric ignition and the crab style cap as well as switching it over to a 12 volt system. I just want to drive it more than I want to work on it. I've had later flathead Fords before and always enjoyed replacing the ignition parts, but I've never had one with the helmet distributor and it's a real pain. I inherited this car from my Dad and I'm aching to drive her.

[Ken/Alabama]

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Originally Posted by WBF

Thanks for the replies. Those are all good responses. I'll work on it more tomorrow. In the long run, I'm considering installing a 3 bolt distributor with electric ignition and the crab style cap as well as switching it over to a 12 volt system. I just want to drive it more than I want to work on it. I've had later flathead Fords before and always enjoyed replacing the ignition parts, but I've never had one with the helmet distributor and it's a real pain. I inherited this car from my Dad and I'm aching to drive her.

The helmet distributor really is a good unit when it’s set up properly.

[WBF]

I changed the condenser and it has spark, but it jusr won't start. It's getting fuel. I can hear it squirting in the carburetor when I pump the accelerator linkage. I'm stumped.

[Phil Gillespie]

Originally Posted by WBF

I changed the condenser and it has spark, but it jusr won't start. It's getting fuel. I can hear it squirting in the carburetor when I pump the accelerator linkage. I'm stumped.

Has the timing been altered in any way during your fault finding?
Fuel spark and correct timing should at least fire up!!
Phil NZ

[kurt v]

IF you did not put the dist in correctly you could be 180 off, take the dist back off and make SURE that the tab lines up with the cam, hope you did'n't damage the dist.

[chap52]

What Kurt V said... Been there, done that. Chap

[Seth Swoboda]

I don't think modifying the ignition system further is the solution to your problem. In fact I think it has caused your problems. Why did you install the adapter for a "modern" coil in the first place? What was that trying to solve?

[slowforty]

Also check the ignition resistor, put a jumper across the terminals to see what happens.
Mine would fail intermittently and drove me nuts trying to find the issue.