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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1937 Ford
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Question
37 ford flathead 8 with vacuum break distributor, no spark to plugs. Distributor has two caps, one on each side with four wires each, and ignition coil is mounted on top between the two caps. My question is how to test the ignition coil?
To test the coil, remove it. It is attached to the top of the distributor cap with several screws and then lifts straight off. But before you remove the coil check for voltage at the lead on the top of the coil with the key on. A test light with a 6 volt bulb should light and a voltmeter should read between 4 and 6 volts. If there is no voltage check up under the dash for a resistor and check both sides of that. If there is voltage on one side but not the other the resistor is burned out. With the coil off the car check the primary leads with an ohm meter and you should have 1.2 to 1.6 ohms. Checking the secondary winding connect the ohm meter to the contact for the rotor and the primary out side lead. There should be about 11,000 ohms. If you have a problem, let me know.
Brad
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Answers by Expert:
Brad Sears
Expertise
All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.
Experience
Automotive tech instructor.
Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's.
Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's
TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated.
Auto instructor for the following companies:
Fram
Autolyte
Holly
Carter
AMF
Ford Motor
University Of Conn
Blue Hills Technical School
Sugar River Technical Center
Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.
Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.
Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember.
Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.
Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.
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