Spark only when timing is fully advanced?

[Paps31]

After a lot of troubleshooting to figure out why I wasn't getting spark on the Model A, I discovered that I CAN get spark, but only when the timing lever is fully advanced.

What would cause this?

Appreciate any feedback.

[Bob C]

Check the wire between the upper and lower plates.


Bob

[Paps31]

Just checking for good connection/wear and tear?

[Tom Endy]

The wire that connects the upper and lower plates inside the distributor must be routed carefully and the wire lug that attaches to the threaded post of the moveable arm of the points must be bent to a vertical position or it will contact the housing when the advance lever is moved.


When assembling a distributor, when complete, Place the leads of an ohm meter, one to the housing ground, the other to the arm of the points. Slip a business card between the points and move the spark lever. There should not be any conductivity.


Tom Endy

[Paps31]

The distributor was a new, pre-assembled unit. Not that that rules anything out.

[Chuck Dempsey]

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Also make sure there is a good 'ground' between the plate and the housing.... Maybe use a screwdriver to 'force' a ground between the two when it appears you don't have any spark, and see if that helps any.

[Big hammer]

Originally Posted by Chuck Dempsey

Also make sure there is a good 'ground' between the plate and the housing.... Maybe use a screwdriver to 'force' a ground between the two when it appears you don't have any spark, and see if that helps any.

After bead blasting and before painting I used some small tubing in the grove!
I had read that wasn't my brain fart.

[denniskliesen]

Did you time it when you put it in your engine?

[Paps31]

Originally Posted by denniskliesen

Did you time it when you put it in your engine?

I've gone through the timing sequence at least a dozen times, just to be sure.