Re: 55 Patrician Conked Out While Idling, Won't Start

Posted by HH56 On 2017/3/4 16:15:46

Old coils and condensers are notorious for suddenly acting up after a long sit and resurrection. Even if not the problem now they could be down the road and it would be a good idea to have spares.

Also check the voltage at the pink wire on the coil when cranking. It should be near 12v when starting is attempted. As soon as the engine starts and you release the key or anytime the ign switch is in the run position it drops to around 6-7 volts. If no 12v, a contact in the solenoid or a disconnected green wire between the ballast resistor and solenoid would be suspect. The coil gets a higher voltage to provide the best spark possible when starting and if it is not there the engine could exhibit those hard starting symptoms. It drops down to the lower level when running to avoid burning the points. If it has little to no voltage when key is in the run position the ballast resistor or the ignition switch itself is suspect.

When you were working under the dash before, any chance the wiring on the back of ign sw was bumped and compromised?

EDIT: If the ign key was left in the run position for a long period of time and points were closed all that time the points could have overheated and been burned or oxidized. It might be a good idea to use a contact burnisher on them or use some thin cardboard or even fold a strip of rough paper from a paper sack into a narrow enough length to slip between the points. Hold them lightly closed and pull the paper thru to clean them.