Re: 1940 packard ignition coil

Posted by HH56 On 2019/3/25 22:22:55

Do you have any kind of spark or is none present?

If the points have been closed long enough at one time that the coil is getting warm without the car starting and adding that heat the points could be oxidized. Even if they were not closed, if the car has been sitting a long time they could have reacted to all the crud in the air and oxidize to the point of poor conductivity. A good cleaning with a burnisher or point file would be in order.

If the battery cables have been replaced make sure they are large enough for 6v -- a 0 or better would be 00 gauge cable is suggested. Modern cables sold in parts stores today even if sold as 6v cables are generally too small and will result in a poor experience particularly if there are other engine issues or if the starter is in need of service and pulling a lot of current. A too small of battery capacity or dirty cable connections can also result in the same issue.

If the engine has been turned over a lot without starting the plugs could have fouled which would make a poor spark have an even harder job. You might pull a plug or two -- even if they are new -- and recheck condition.

It is kind of hard on coils with an armored cable but you might check the available coil voltage at the terminal fed by the wire in the armored cable when the starter is cranking. If the voltage for the coi drops near 5v the spark will be weak and any other issues would add to the difficulty.