My '57 235 engine has slightly over 200 miles on it since being refurbished. The ignition system is basically new i.e., new coil, leads, distributor, points, plugs, condenser, wiring, etc.
This afternoon about one block from home the engine suddenly died and would not restart. After getting the truck home I started my investigation. Here are the findings and things done:
- I am lacking a ballast resistor so 12 volts is being supplied to coil from key switch. This will be corrected tomorrow, but engine has been firing right up and running well prior to todays problem.
- Checked wiring from switch to "Bat" terminal for continuity and ground - OK
- Filed and regapped points to .017
- Points making and breaking. Checked manually by just opening by hand and using ohm meter between ground and condenser terminal on distributor base and then between ground and "-" terminal on coil while cranking and ignition switch on
- Coil primary resistance ~ 1.5 ohms. Secondary resistance ~ 8-10 ohms if I recall
- Coil secondary wire will not throw a spark from distributor end to good ground, but will give me a wakeup jolt should I decide to act as ground
- Of course, keeping the forgoing in mind, no spark from plug wire to ground
- I've tried three different coil to distributor wires with same results
- Rotor contact to cap looks good
- Battery fully charged or on charger when performing test
So... What's going on? could the coil be fried from running on 12 volts even though primary and secondary resistance is within specs? I initially thought that due to the sudden death nature of this problem that it was a grounded our open wire. I think at this point I have ruled that out. Right now I'm leaning heavily towards fried coil. Even is condenser is bad that wouldn't affect coil voltage would it? Hmmm, perhaps if condenser was grounded? But then again, I'm not getting any real fire from coil to begin with if my troubleshooting is correct. Any help would be appreciated.
Oh, here is a link to one of the best
Ignition System 101 that I have seen.
