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I recently saved a 41 Clipper which hasn't run since 2005. Everything appears original and showing its age. I rewired the engine compartment for engine related components and disconnected the light related wires. The car is currently turning over but I don't have any spark. There is no power coming from the coil. I am under the dash now looking at issues. I am trying to be logical with what I try and track down as the issue. The coil looks like it is connected directly to the key ignition. Is there anyway to check to see if the issue is the key ignition switch or should I just replace the coil and hope its not the key ignition switch? Any other thoughts for other things to check. Thanks, Maine Hill Billy

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Welcome. That looks a nice car you are going to be playing with.

You can bend the tabs or twist the end and remove the armored cable entrance "can" at the base of the coil to expose the power terminal. If you have 6v when the key is on most likely the ign switch is OK. The wire inside the armored cable can be prone to deteriorating insulation -- but that is usually an intermittent condition and you should notice it by a heavy current draw.

The usual oxidation of the points or terminals and having a good ground at the distributor would be worth checking after sitting so long.

One other thing is the condition of the battery, cables and terminal connections. Battery needs to be in good full charge condition and if the cables have been replaced, they need to be large -- 0 or 2/0 gauge is recommended for 6v. If anything is deficient in that area then the load of the starting motor could be enough that voltage to the coil drops below the point a reliable spark can be obtained.

Great information. I was figured the access to the steel conduit was possible. I'll be looking forward to the weekend now to dig into that area. Cables are all new, but fair call since they were well beyond their lifespan when I grabbed the car. Thanks, MHB

G'day Maine Hill Billy,
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I invite you to include your '41 Clipper in the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo!