Battery Polarity – Polarity Tester Question

In the Snyder’s Antique Auto Parts, -97, page A-38 is a device listed as “polarity tester” which is inserted twixt coil and distributor. It clearly shows arrows for “up” (coil). Text reads “..it indicates if you have the wires on your coil properly (installed)…” Is there a “coil only end” for a coil wire? New to me. Been trying to start my A Model (30) after some years in storage and found that the ignition switch was faulty (new one on the way). Tried jumping the switch, but no contact. Why? Could my installation of coil wire been a problem also?

New battery, starter spun engine nicely, but no “pop.” Plenty of gas, no spark to plugs. Timed it, distributor shaft a bit loose (problem?) Car started and ran well some years ago (I have added top oil through plugs and turned engine with crank periodically). This time starter turned well, but then simply quit after few tries at starting engine, wouldn’t contact. Cleaned contact again, no luck. Have disassembled it again, cleaned everything, ready for new ignition switch and attempt. Second time the charm?

I logically may have a series of electrical problems, each of which won’t allow me to fire up my A. Any suggestions? Would be great to get it running again, before it hits -40F around here again. Thank you for any advice.

Answer:

The coil wire itself is not your problem, unless its old and cracked. I would first replace your condenser and then break the points and check for spark. Also disconnect the ignition cable where it screws into the distributor, turn the ignition on and touch the end of the cable against the engine and see if you get a spark, if so this will eliminate an ignition wire problem. You could have a short between the lower distributor plate and the upper plate. Check for a frayed wire where it screws to the bottom of the upper plate. Also you could have a bad coil…if the car set for a long time it could have deteriorated. Sometimes when the condenser and or the end of the ignition cable is screwed into the lower plate area it gets pushed against the inside of the center of the distributor body and this will cause it to ground out. There maybe be a local model A chapter in your area and we can get someone to help you. – Lyle Meek, 1997 Technical Director