Weak spark from points to plugs

[ULLRICH]

I have a v8 60 with the original helmet style distributor. Replaced the coil in the distributor with the adapter plate and installed 12 volt coil and condenser. Real nice spark from the coil to the distributor. New points. The engine will start but not continue to run. The spark seems weak at the plug.
new plugs gap .25 . Cleaned points in case they were dirty or burned from the ignition. Fired right up, ran strong. Let the engine sit and did some other things came back to fire and again will fire but not stay running.
I am using this in a 37 sprint race car, and am using an on off switch no relays. Any comments appreciated.

[Ken/Alabama]

Is there a resistor in the line between the switch and coil?

[Init1]

I agree with Ken. A resister too big will kill the spark to the plugs. Poor spark plug wires will too.
Try Packard 440 wire. It's braided copper and is correct
For any flathead.

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Those adapter plate use ( for some reason) the very cheapest condensor made by man!!!! Change the condensor to a RR175 Napa unit , should fix it ....

[alanwoodieman]

pull off the distributor and disassemble and look down the center of the rotor button--see any carbon tracks in it or on the shaft? check to see that there is a good spring on the brush and that the brush is good. found more than one that is shorted out because of a bad rotor.

[ULLRICH]

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Thanks guys,
No resistors being used.....direct feed from battery to an on/off power switch for racing and then to an ignition switch on/off that feeds the start button then to the solenoid.
Packard wire already in use...already have checked contact from the spring to the rotor distributor.
The condenser makes sense bubba because it ran fine last time out at Road America vintage in July.
Off to Napa for a new condenser....will see.

[24ruxstel1339]

If it's not the condenser, check to be sure you have proper voltage at battery side of coil.

[Anteek29]

Keep us posted on what you find.

[ULLRICH]

AND THE WINNER IS BUBBA.... I replaced the condenser with the RR175 and it fired as soon as I touched the starter button!!!!!I bought the adapter coil kit from Mac's which came with the crap condenser that Bubba spotted, so let the buyer beware. I don't think that ignition condenser had twenty hours of run time on it. I have been fooling with this for days. Thanks every one for chiming in; all good stuff to know.

[petehoovie]

ULLRICH - Thanks for the update! I wish more people would do so (update) the resolution to the problems they've posted....

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Originally Posted by ULLRICH

AND THE WINNER IS BUBBA.... I replaced the condenser with the RR175 and it fired as soon as I touched the starter button!!!!!I bought the adapter coil kit from Mac's which came with the crap condenser that Bubba spotted, so let the buyer beware. I don't think that ignition condenser had twenty hours of run time on it. I have been fooling with this for days. Thanks every one for chiming in; all good stuff to know.

Glad that was it , you are my fourth one this week!!!!! I dont know where they buy those condensors and they probably think they are ok because it is a new one. I have a trash can full of them. I was complaining once to a local parts guy and he said "nobody ever buy a condensor anymore so who cares ???!!!!!"

[Lawrie]

Well ,don’t be fooled by a known brand,I used one of those nice Malory brass ones on the 33,it lasted about 3 months!before conking out at the bottom of the street,this was the other week on my way out to Alice Springs,
Lawrie

[ULLRICH]

I am going to by a spare for the track parts box, just like having extra plugs. You go to a week end racing event like Vintage Road America (VSCDA) and easily can drop a thousand between travel expense, tolls , fuel, hotels, meals, late night adult beverages, track registration fees and on and on. All lost for a lousy $12.00 part. What fun are these cars if you can't play with them.....Thanks again

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

Well ,don’t be fooled by a known brand,I used one of those nice Malory brass ones on the 33,it lasted about 3 months!before conking out at the bottom of the street,this was the other week on my way out to Alice Springs,
Lawrie

Mallory was bought sometime ago by MSD and has turned in a "Made in Japan ' Parts company. Mallory as we once knew it is gone. Those small brass condensors and terrible !!!!!!