Classic/Antique Car Repair/ignition system

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Expert: - 9/20/2008


Question
hey?i recently bought a 1959 edsel, i have replaced the solenoid, the coil,spark plug wires,coil resistor,and have inspected the cap and rotor. i bought a ignition switch from autozone cause the one it had did not work. i have been able to get the 312 engine to turn over it turns on but wont stay on. to keep it running id have to hold the key to that position after the on position,(talking about turn the key once, then once more to activate the starter.)i cant figure out the deal.hope you can help me out.
                                             mike

Answer
You appear to have an open in the ignition wire coming from the ignition switch to the coil. There are two ignition turn on circuits. One runs from the S terminal on the starter solenoid to the coil and provides electricity to the coil when the key is in the start position. Then a second circuit runs from the ignition switch through an in line resistor to the coil. You need to check the voltage at the coil in each position with a voltmeter.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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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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