Re: No spark to the plugs

Posted by Leo Stacks on March 12, 1997 at 18:32:06

In Reply to: No spark to the plugs
posted by mike jaquet on March 10, 1997 at 15:07:58

I am not totally familiar with the AA distributor, but I would
guess it is the same as the A Model.If so I've been there
before.I solved a similar problem with my neighbor's Model A.

The problem occurred after the car had set for several years
without being run.It took quite awhile to isolate and solve.
So, here is a timesaver.
First, remove the distributor and unscrew the cable which comes
from the key and screws into the distributor.In the
distributor, this cable will contact a ground plate which
completes the ignition circuit.The plate is the problem; it
sometimes gets weak from age and use.Where the cable is
screwed in, it pushes the ground plate into the distributor
and grounds the circuit to the distributor--no spark will
occur when this happens.(NOTE:You must remove the top
point plate to get to this plate.)
A simple test for this problem is to put a piece of electrical
tape between the ground plate and the distributor.If it
solves the problem, buy a new plate.Also, check the contact
point at the end of the ignition cable to make sure the
insulator isn't cracked and allowing a ground situation there.
A good suggestion is to purchase an after market point and
distributor plate.
The Model A had a reputation of condensor failure as a result
of heat from the engine.The new and improved plates were
used on the later Model Fords and worked well.
Let me know if this helps.

E-Mail Comment to Webmaster