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Old 06-04-2019, 03:57 PM   #1
ronn
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Default new 30 roadster electrical...........

just went up to VT and picked up a 30 roadster deluxe.


ran and stalled and so on..... hasnt been driven in yrs.


so I cleaned the gas line and installed a pencil filter. all good. started right up and drove it out back and it shut off. the ignition key is all loose. so tightened that up. now wont fire. when I turn the key on- no draw at the ammeter.


what should I be looking at? there is a fuse on the starter, but it looks fine.


you guys are good- so have at it in the order I should be looking.


thank you.
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Old 06-04-2019, 04:19 PM   #2
J Franklin
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

First check the coil and wires, then acertane the gap is correct, recheck gas flow to cylinders and finally recheck compression because valves can stick open. that would be my sequence for diagnosis, you can do it in any order and will still find the cause.
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Old 06-04-2019, 04:48 PM   #3
ronn
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

OK J, but..............
the ammeter always pulled previously when I went to start it, by switching on the key. wont do anything now......
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Old 06-04-2019, 04:49 PM   #4
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

If you lost spark, then clean the points.
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Old 06-04-2019, 05:15 PM   #5
1931 flamingo
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

Pull the fuse and check it. JMO
Paul in CT
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Old 06-04-2019, 07:00 PM   #6
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

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Usually the problem is the condenser
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Old 06-04-2019, 07:13 PM   #7
loubob
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

Did you tighten the ignition cable where it enters the distributor?
If so, you may have tightened it to much.
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Old 06-04-2019, 07:20 PM   #8
Curtis in MA
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

What do you mean you tightened the switch?
If the last thing you did was the switch, jump it.
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Old 06-04-2019, 07:39 PM   #9
Mulletwagon
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

Check for voltage at the coil when the ignition key is turned on. Also check for a spark from the coil when cranking.
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Old 06-04-2019, 07:56 PM   #10
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

Toot your horn to make sure fuse is good. Turn key on, rotate engine until points are closed, put a test light between ground and moving point arm. Points closed, no light. Points open, light should light. If this does not happen, chase it down with a wiring diagram. Good luck.
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Old 06-05-2019, 04:48 AM   #11
ronn
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

thank you guys! will try and look at it today.
horn toots fine. will jump switch first, and then follow from there, points, etc.
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Old 06-05-2019, 04:49 AM   #12
ronn
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

ps tightened loose ignition (where key inserts)............
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Old 06-05-2019, 05:13 AM   #13
Patrick L.
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

If you have power to other things such as lights etc, since you tightened the switch is the last you did before losing ignition power, thats what I would check. Some of those switches can ground against the fuel tank, 4 screws to remove the dash bezel to take a look.
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Old 06-05-2019, 05:36 AM   #14
dpson
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

I think I saw your car on Craigslist, looked like a good buy.
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Old 06-05-2019, 06:04 AM   #15
ShutterThug
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick L. View Post
If you have power to other things such as lights etc, since you tightened the switch is the last you did before losing ignition power, thats what I would check. Some of those switches can ground against the fuel tank, 4 screws to remove the dash bezel to take a look.
This would be where I would start, particularly if it is a repop ignition switch, I had a similar problem and this squared it away.
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Old 06-05-2019, 06:56 AM   #16
30 Closed Cab PU
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

Could be the switch is shorting to the tank as previous posts indicate. Also could be bad and after tightening not working. Connections on the switch could be loose or need cleaning. I had a switch that was intermittently opening in the on position, drove me nuts before I gave up troubleshooting and replaced the switch.
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Old 06-05-2019, 07:13 AM   #17
Keith True
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

Is this an original popout switch,or just an on-off repro?
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Old 06-05-2019, 09:20 AM   #18
ronn
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

on off repro


previously turned it on and ammeter showed neg draw- now nothing.
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Old 06-05-2019, 09:35 AM   #19
30 Closed Cab PU
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

If fused pull fuse, if not fused disconnect battery. Pull instrument panel -4 screws, inspect key switch connections, reconnect battery/fuse. If still not working disconnect battery fuse, jumper the key switch connections, reconnect battery/fuse - try again.


Test by running the starter and watch for the ammeter to "wiggle". Since your A is a 30, the ignition coil primary/points runs through the ammeter, the wiggle indicates the points opening closing. It is possible the motor can stop with the points open, and you would not see a current draw even with the ignition switch is on/closed. If you turn on the lights, the ammeter should go negative even if the ignition switch is off/open


Make sure when putting panel back in the switch connections/leads do not short to the gas tank.
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Old 06-05-2019, 09:37 AM   #20
L head fan
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Default Re: new 30 roadster electrical...........

Have you checked ALL the grounds? Sometimes it's the simple things.
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