Re: 49 engine stopped

Posted by HH56 On 2022/12/30 20:21:48
Without knowing what all was done or changed in the 12v conversion and what stock ignition and starter components might still be present it is hard to guess reasons or even places to check. If the car has the 356 engine the gear reduction Autolite starter used on that engine had a unique safety interlock circuit that prevented the starter from accidentally engaging if engine was running. Sometimes that safety circuit acted up but with a 12v conversion the solenoid would probably have some other issues so starter and solenoid may have been changed. It it does still have the original a small relay in the solenoid may have burned out which would prevent the starter from working. If it has the smaller 288 or 327 engine, those starters would still work at 12v (very hard on starter leading to damage) but would probably have had the solenoid changed to a 12v version. That starter and circuit is no different from other cars of the era.

If the stock starter actuation is still done by pressing the accelerator pedal to engage the starter check that 12v is present at one of the terminals on the black carburetor switch at the rear or side of the carb used to actuate the starter solenoid. Pressing the accelerator should pass that 12v to the other terminal and on to the solenoid.

You might also check voltage at the coil and see if a voltage is always present on the terminal coming from the ign switch. Expect somewhere at least 8 or 9v. Check the other terminal going to the distributor and if points are open, it should also read the higher voltage. If points are closed, close to 0 volts. The voltage at that terminal should fluctuate as the engine cranks. If it does not change then depending on voltage either the points are staying open or something is shorted. The stock distributor has a flexible lead inside with a fabric insulation that connects the points to the outside terminal. The fabric frequently rots and a chunk falls off which can allow a short in the lead and prevent a spark. Condensers are also known to short. If the point ignition has been changed to something like a Pertronix electronic module that could also be having issues but if either the lead, condenser, or module were acting up the engine might not start but also should not prevent the starter from at least turning the engine.

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