1931 roadster

[Mitch//pa]

if so its most likely the wire between the plates or as mentioned the cable screwed in to far. it seems lately here we have been having a run on the pigtail wires in the dist

[Bobant]

Checked the wire coming out of the ignition switch going to the amp meter. Key off there is power. Key on no power. Everything here seems backwards to me but I'm learning.

[Tom Wesenberg]

If you pull the distributor out then you could just unscrew the cable from it and check the brass spring loaded contact for 6 volts, both in the extended position, and when you push the contact in. Sometimes there is a frayed wire near the brass contact that can short to ground.

[Bobant]

In process of removing distributor and backing off on main wire It will only take me a few minutes.

[Mitch//pa]

if your cable has a clamp under a head nut drain down the cooling system first or u can end up with water in the oil

[larrys40]

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I think he has a short between upper and lower plate, popout cable, or potentally the lower plate to the dist casting. I would remove the cam screw, cam, upper plate, and look for problems there, using the volt/ohm meter to check for voltage and ohms scale for short to ground. Also.. if it's a genuine popout remember the switch when off not only breaks the contact of power to the dist it also grounds out the points. that's part of the theftproof feature.

A volt'/ohm meter is your best friend right now...
Larry Shepard

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by Bobant

Checked the wire coming out of the ignition switch going to the amp meter. Key off there is power. Key on no power. Everything here seems backwards to me but I'm learning.

What type of ignition system do you have, if stock there
should not be a wire from the ammeter to the switch.

Bob

[Bobant]

I think we have lift off. I turned the ignition cable out a few turns and laid it back in the hole and I have power at the points now. Currently in the process of installing the distributor and will attempt to start. Will report in a few minutes.

[Mitch//pa]

easy to read wiring diagram

[Bobant]

Yahoo yahoo yahoo. It's running like a kitten. I can't thank everyone enough for all the help. I never would have gotten it without your suggestions. I'm overjoyed. Darn cable into the distributor . I never would have believed it . Another success for you guys. I can't thank you all enough. Thankyou all. Bob Anthony

[Mitch//pa]

yaaahoooo
good job

when u have time inspect that plate wire in the dist also....

[Bobant]

Already did that Mitch. Wire looked perfect but I wrapped it with electrical tape just to be sure. Thanks for all the help and everyone else who helped me. I can usually figure out mechanical stuff but when it's electrical I'm a duck out of water. If it wasn't raining I would go for a ride because prior to shutting down altogether it would let me get away from the house then shut down. I hope I'm not celebrating to soon.

[Mitch//pa]

also as tom mentioned if its an aftermarket type switch make sure it doesnt short against the gas tank... its a good idea to tape up the terminals / tweak and tape up the gast tank area

[larrys40]

Whenever I rebuild a distributor I use a piece of rubber shim stock and glue it between the casting and the dimple on the lower plate.. so that no matter how far someone screws the cable in it can't short on the casting. Also.. sometimes as ignition wires inside the popout cables get old the insulation gets brittle and they are also sources for issues, especially as the bend.

Glad you found it!
Larry