QuestionHi, I hope you maybe able to help me . I have a 1938 ford 2 door deluxe that has set without running for 2 or 3 years. It ran fine when we put it in storage. We tryed to start it the other day and it turns over fine but it dont seem to have any spark at the plugs ? What should I check for? This car does have a 6 volt system , Would a dirty ground on the frame cause me problem. Any help you can give me would be great as I don't know where to start. And I do want to Thank You for your time and trouble.
Thanks Wayne
AnswerHello Wayne,
As a start, you need to isolate wether this is a primary or secondary ignition problem ie. high voltage versus low current sides of the ignition system.
With an assistant, turn over the engine with the coil wire disconnected from the distributor and ground it. Do you see a spark? If yes, move forward and check your distributor cap (check for cracks, contact and connector corrosion) and rotor, ignition wires and spark plugs because the fault is likely in one of them.
If no, the problem is most likely in the primary ignition system so check and clean coil wires, points, condenser, any fusing and ignition switch.
Bad grounding could certainly be a problem but only one of several.(broken, corroded or abraded wires or worn/corroded points) Starting your detective work at the coil, backwards and forwards, will give you a starting point to systematically trace through the system and find the fault.
Good luck,
Bob
