Expert: jack bahm - 2/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: engine starts an runs ok when the plug wires are off, runs rough when the wires are on an will not start with the wires  on . checked the timing,plug gap, point gap- may be a short or the coil?  thank you

ANSWER: It can't run without having the plugs connected.  The A had little flat copper plug connectors to the plugs.  They have to be in place.  The short that most often happens is one under the distributor plate, the movable plate.  If you take that off and check, you will have to retime it, or remember exactly where the rotor was and put it back in the same place.  
Try this:
Key off, you should have fire at both coil nuts.
Key on and points closed, you shoudl have fire at only one coil nut.  The other nut, usually the one on the passenger side, should be grounded to the movable point arm, through the ignition switch.   If this is not the case, you have a short.
Give me a little more info, and we will get it fixed and running great.
jack

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  sorry I didn`t explain very well. the plug wires are about quarter inch away from the plug. checked the coil power go`s out on the passengers side of the coil. I switched the wires on the coil, same thing if it makes any difference- pat

Answer
If you position the wires 1/4 in. from the plugs, it runs OK.  Doing that forces a stronger spark at the plugs.  It's an old trick of the road side assistant guys.  
Look at the plugs and check to see if they are black and fuzzy.  If they are, yuou need to put in new plugs or clean the old ones.  Cleaning them should be OK.  If the plugs are not fouled, then it may be the coil.  
Get yourself the Model A mechanics hand book.  About $35 from MARC or any of the Model A parts suppliers.  A great book, and we all have one.  Get the red one.
Good luck and keep me posted.
jack