Expert: jack bahm - 11/16/2008

Question
I was driving my 1931 Tudor today - one last drive before putting it away for the winter.  I turned the headlights on since it was a rather cloudy dark day, and immediately the ammeter started swinging wildly.  The ignition became rough and the car backfired.  I pulled off to the side of the road, and turned off the car.  Then I couldn't re-start it - no spark.  What could short-circuit the ignition this was from the headlight switch?  Thanks for your help.

Answer
That's a tough one.  Did the fuse blow?  If you have a fuse.  That would just cut it out.  These cars are something.  We all think we know all there is to know, and then we can't fix one.  Clean the plugs, turn the key on and see if you have fire at the points, if not check the wire under the dist. plate., clean the points and check the gap, make sure the light switch is off.  Try all that and try again.
Hope some of this helps.
jack