QuestionI have a 1942 Ford Business Coupe that has ran fine up until about 2 weeks ago. I am now getting little or no spark. I have changed the plugs and rebuilt the carb. I believe it may be the coil, does this sound correct? Do you have any suggestions to fix this and if it is the coil I am having a hard time find one. The car will start but only for about 10 seconds and then floods out...help!!! Thank you!
AnswerAbout 99% of the time that suspicion falls on the coil, it turns out to be something else. The coil is a very simple device, with no moving parts. If it passes a check with an ohm-meter, and a visible inspection shows no oil leakage or loose terminals, and no carbon tracking on the tower, it is very likely OK.
You say the car is flooding - this has to be a fuel system problem, and most likely is a problem with the carburetor. My guess would be that float is sinking due to a perforation if it is a brass float, or else the needle valve isn't seating properly, or the float level isn't set right. If you have been working on the carburetor, recheck your work, and pay special attention to the operation of the needle valve and floats - condition and settings.
An ignition problem seems ruled out by the fact that the engine will start, however briefly.
Dick
