electrical

[ZOLTAR]

Trying to get a new to me 1930 Model A to run. Not getting spark to plugs, but, to top of distributor cap. No wiring harness. I have batt wire to starter, pos ground to frame, neg wire to one side of coil, other side to bottom of distributor with shielded wire. Coil wire to distributor. Have switched out distributor with a working one off a friends A. Am I missing a wire, or have something wired wrong?

Thanks,
Rich

[davehc]

This wiring diagram may help if you don't already have one .

http://www.webjunk.com/modela/wp-con...amcolor2sm.jpg

[ZOLTAR]

I do have this diagram. Thanks so much. Being I don't have a complete wiring harness I just wired as above. Starter, coil, and distributor. Can't figure out why no power to plugs. Not the most experienced or brightest guy.

[Patrick L.]

Get yourself a test light or voltmeter and start checking. You want 6v at open point arm [ 0v when closed] work back thru primary leads to switch and terminal box and starter.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

"Maybe" the spark's jumping THROUGH the ROTOR, to the dist shaft??? Try a NEW rotor.
Bill W.

[MikeK]

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Timing! ?? If your points are opening when the rotor is between cap contacts (actually gaps) rather than adjacent/ leading into one, then you get frustration rather than spark at the plugs.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

He said he IS getting spark to the TOP of dist cap.
Bill W.

[Bill G]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

"Maybe" the spark's jumping THROUGH the ROTOR, to the dist shaft??? Try a NEW rotor.
Bill W.

Make sure it even has a rotor.

[wmws]

If your getting spark to the top of the distributor cap but not to the plugs I would check the rotor as Bill said or the distributor body. Or as MikeK said your timing is so far off the spark is not going through the distributor body to the plugs.

[Big hammer]

What can be used to clean carbon arc tracks, if anything? My first thought was is the rotor there? I have just recently left the rotor out after checking the points, caught it before I tried to start it

[Jacksonlll]

Here is a video I made on the basics of the ignition circuit. If it won't open, just search youtube for Model A Ignition System 101 and you will find it. Hope this helps.
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=ZbHQ5CyZQ2I

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Jacksonlll

Here is a video I made on the basics of the ignition circuit. If it won't open, just search youtube for Model A Ignition System 101 and you will find it. Hope this helps.
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=ZbHQ5CyZQ2I

Try this link for Jack's video. https://youtu.be/ZbHQ5CyZQ2I Another good one Jack!!

[ZOLTAR]

Friend pulled parts off his running A and we still couldn't get it to work. New rotor and condenser at Napa for me today. Looking at wiring diagram, and wiring simply. negative to starter, negative bat to one side of coil, other side to points/condenser, coil wire to distributor cap. Do I need any other wires connected?
Thanks,

Rich

[wmws]

I'm not clear if you are getting fire when you hold the high voltage lead to a head stud and open the points. That is the first thing we need to know.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Big hammer

What can be used to clean carbon arc tracks, if anything? My first thought was is the rotor there? I have just recently left the rotor out after checking the points, caught it before I tried to start it

On a friend's old Case tractor with a carbon track in the cap, I scrubbed the cap good with dish soap, then put clear fingernail polish over the carbon track, and it's still working the last I knew.

Generally though, once the track is well established, I'd hold out little hope of it being a dependable part.

[Big hammer]

Thanks Tom, a funny thought with the fingernail polish, maybe thats why some name their cars with female names.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Chief used CLEAR nail polish to protect his nails while washing parts in solvent. Momma LAFFED!
Bill Gloves

[ZOLTAR]

Got it started and running thanks everyone for your help. Couple of things wrong shielded wire was grounding out and the two plates the distributor , were grounding out with a loose condenser wire. Pretty amazing this motor was completely Frozen and it seems to run fine

[JDupuis]

Congrats Zoltar!

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by ZOLTAR

Friend pulled parts off his running A and we still couldn't get it to work. New rotor and condenser at Napa for me today. Looking at wiring diagram, and wiring simply. negative to starter, negative bat to one side of coil, other side to points/condenser, coil wire to distributor cap. Do I need any other wires connected?
Thanks,

Rich

Try this drawing,