Classic/Antique Car Repair/6 volt wiring

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Expert: - 9/16/2009


Question
QUESTION: I have 1950 dodge coronet,after setting for the winter it well not start.I have put all new battery,voltage reg.plugs, plug wires,Rotary button. dis cap. I need help with this 6 volt system

ANSWER: Does it crank over but not fire? Let me know what it does and does not do when you try to start it.
Brad

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

QUESTION: yes it does crank over. i have put a volt meter on battery=6.31v,out of coil 24.45v when cranking over. but from starter its 4.38v. had starter checked its fine... it appears to be getting fire and fuel.just will not even try to start.

Answer
4.3 volts at the starter when cranking is a bit low and could indicate a battery that is not up to capacity and not leaving enough for the ignition to fire. You also should check the points and condenser to make sure that the points are not burned or pitted and are adjusted properly. The point gap should be .025" with them open. The minimum voltage at the starter when cranking should be 5 volts, and yes that .7 volts will make a difference.
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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