The Ford Barn

joltesvig · 07-10-2018, 08:26 AM

The starter key switch has armor all the way into the bottom of the distributor. I already replaced the spark coil with a new one. Still have no spark so I think the starter key switch has gone bad. Before going to all the trouble of replacing the key switch, I want to test it but the armor prevents me from doing a continuity test as far as I can tell. Is there an easy way to do a continuity test on the starter key switch?

Big hammer · 07-10-2018, 01:46 PM

In Brattons catalog they have a how to check out the switch! With long test leads you should be able to check it out. You’ll need to have access to the back of the panel that holds the switch.

1930artdeco · 07-10-2018, 02:24 PM

Don't forget to check to see if it is grounding on the tank.

Mike

joltesvig · 07-10-2018, 04:47 PM

Thanks Big Hammer and thanks Mike! I have a Brattons catalogue...I’ll check it out!

Tom Wesenberg · 07-11-2018, 09:44 AM

With open points and key ON, you should have 6 volts at the movable point contact.

jrelliott · 07-11-2018, 06:49 PM

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When you do the continuity test of the switch and armored cable make sure the battery of the vehicle is disconnected. You can destroy an analog ohm meter by measuring voltage on the ohms scale.

07-10-2018, 08:26 AM	#1
joltesvig Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Carthage, NC Posts: 147	Starter Switch Test The starter key switch has armor all the way into the bottom of the distributor. I already replaced the spark coil with a new one. Still have no spark so I think the starter key switch has gone bad. Before going to all the trouble of replacing the key switch, I want to test it but the armor prevents me from doing a continuity test as far as I can tell. Is there an easy way to do a continuity test on the starter key switch? __________________ John the Model A Rookie from North Carolina

07-10-2018, 01:46 PM	#2
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,127	Re: Starter Switch Test In Brattons catalog they have a how to check out the switch! With long test leads you should be able to check it out. You’ll need to have access to the back of the panel that holds the switch. __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

07-10-2018, 02:24 PM	#3
1930artdeco Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lynden, Wa Posts: 3,550	Re: Starter Switch Test Don't forget to check to see if it is grounding on the tank. Mike __________________ 1930 TownSedan (Briggs) 1957 Country Sedan

07-10-2018, 04:47 PM	#4
joltesvig Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Carthage, NC Posts: 147	Re: Starter Switch Test Thanks Big Hammer and thanks Mike! I have a Brattons catalogue...I’ll check it out! __________________ John the Model A Rookie from North Carolina

07-11-2018, 09:44 AM	#5
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Starter Switch Test With open points and key ON, you should have 6 volts at the movable point contact.

07-11-2018, 06:49 PM	#6
jrelliott Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pine, AZ Posts: 794	Re: Starter Switch Test Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) When you do the continuity test of the switch and armored cable make sure the battery of the vehicle is disconnected. You can destroy an analog ohm meter by measuring voltage on the ohms scale.