Re: 1951 Starting Problem

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2009/1/27 18:56:27

Of course you should get a spark regardless of timing.

No, the wire between the distributor and coil is not a ground, but becomes part of a completed circuit to ground when the points close. But for the points to complete that circut, the distributor body must be electrically grounded to the engine block. Ordinarily there is no special ground wire for this, it's done just by physical contact with the block via the clamp and bolt. I'm suggesting to make sure that ground is good and if in doubt, make a ground with a jumper from the distributor body to the block.

I also suggested going directly from the battery to the coil to eliminate the ignition switch and associated wiring. Once you have spark and the car runs, you can backtrack and see where your problem was.