2ndtime50guy
Contributor
Posts: 425
Loc: Midwestern U.S.A.
Reg: 04-06-12
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08-04-12 07:51 PM - Post#2255810
I had a couple guys come over tonight and help me try to start the car. I have installed new 12 Volt Harness, Coil -w- External Resistor, Battery, and Condenser. We cleaned the points, re-gapped them, pulled one plug wire and snapped in a spare plug, touched it to a good ground, cranked the engine, --no spark. We then tested for voltage off the top inside contact of the distributor cap and read it read 5 volts. I think that's correct because of the resistor, is it not? Is the distributor or it's cap shot? Or should I just try new points first? Thanks for the help as always.
| I drove a '50 from the day I got my license thru college! Sadly, we sold it when I got married. I recently got the chance to buy the same car back from the man I sold it to; but the deal fell through and now I own a nicer one: 4 Dr Styleline Deluxe! |
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 bobg1951chevy
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 4902
Loc: Ellijay, GA
Reg: 02-18-08
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08-04-12 08:46 PM - Post#2255837
In response to 2ndtime50guy
Did this car run BEFORE you did the 12 volt upgrade or has it run SINCE you have done the 12 volt upgrade?
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2ndtime50guy
Contributor
Posts: 425
Loc: Midwestern U.S.A.
Reg: 04-06-12
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08-05-12 04:27 AM - Post#2255875
In response to bobg1951chevy
No and No. It was listed as "not running" when I bought it. The old harness had to go because it almost caught fire for all the bare wires. This will be the first time it has run in what I'm guessing to be 10 years.
Some more info: When I bought the car, there were receipts in the glove box for new distributor cap, rotor, distributor cables, and spark plugs; all purchased in Nov. 2009. All appear to be like new still.
It cranks like a champ with the new 12v system. My buddy tested the power coming off the coil a few weeks back and it was fine. It just doesn't seem to get past the cap.
| I drove a '50 from the day I got my license thru college! Sadly, we sold it when I got married. I recently got the chance to buy the same car back from the man I sold it to; but the deal fell through and now I own a nicer one: 4 Dr Styleline Deluxe! |
Edited by 2ndtime50guy on 08-05-12 04:31 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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lobucrod
Contributor
Posts: 223
Age: 61
Loc: Springtown Texas
Reg: 10-01-07
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08-05-12 05:07 AM - Post#2255881
In response to 2ndtime50guy
Not sure what you mean by checking the voltage at the top inside of the distributor cap. Only terminals on the distributor cap are the spark plug and coil wire terminals. You should have 12 volts to the ballast resistor, about 6-8 on the coil side. Hook a test light up to the neg. terminal of the coil. (the one going to the points inside distributor) It should flash on and off when you turn the motor over as the points open and close. Have you replaced the coil wire and spark plug wires? When checking for spark I like to plug a spark plug wire straight into the distributor bypassing the distributor cap or just hold the distributor end of the coil wire itself close to the block while spinning it over. Oh and one more thing, did you put the rotor cap in before putting on the distributor cap?
'38 Chevy Coupe
'50 Sedan Delivery
'37 Chevy Peecup
2000 Harley Heritage Classic
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Edited by lobucrod on 08-05-12 05:10 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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 2blu52
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 13086
Age: 79
Loc: Montana
Reg: 03-12-02
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08-05-12 06:17 AM - Post#2255892
In response to 2ndtime50guy
10 years is ample time for the condensor to fail. 
"PEACE IS THAT GLORIUS MOMENT IN HISTORY WHEN EVERY ONE STANDS AROUND RELOADING"
THOMAS JEFFERSON |
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Mike JW
Contributor
Posts: 911
Loc: Arroyo Grande, CA
Reg: 01-19-06
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08-05-12 06:20 AM - Post#2255894
In response to 2blu52
Maybe the carbon came out of the cap
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2ndtime50guy
Contributor
Posts: 425
Loc: Midwestern U.S.A.
Reg: 04-06-12
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08-05-12 08:03 AM - Post#2255926
In response to Mike JW
I think what I mean by checking the voltage at the top inside of the distributor cap would be the coil wire terminal.
I will run all those tests that you mentioned today. That sounds like great advice and I appreciate you giving me a list to follow; that helps a bunch!
The coil and spark plug wires are not new (2009) but I will take them all loose and test them individually today.
Yep, the rotor was in place. The only thing in this equation I can't vouch for is what the guys are actually testing while I'm inside the car pressing the button, lol. They say they've done all these things, but I would like to see it for myself.
In answer to the other guys, the condenser is brand new. I just put it in a few weeks ago. The cap looks new; it was also purchased in 2009, but it cuold be bad.
I want to make sure though; my coil wire from the ignition should go through the ballast resistor first, then to the coil shouldn't it? If not, that me be my problem. I could have them reversed. I had read and re-read several posts and talked to several folks and I thought I understood them to say that it goes through the resistor first; but I coud be mistaken.
On the way home from church, I stopped by NAPA and got another test light; one that is not self powered; and a new set of points...just in case!
We have been using my self powered test light that I use to chase wiring continuity, but as I tried to explain to my friends, we're not supposed to used that when the battery is hooked up. I think it may be giving them false notions.
Unfortunately, my multimeter doesn't have a test light built in, but it does do a good job checking the voltage.
I had also wondered if it mattered if I had the ignition side of the switch and the auxillary side of the switch reversed. It's the factory "on-off" keyed switch going to the original start button. I think it's wired right though, because we get a really strong crank and the turn signals don't remain hot with the switch in the off position. Does that make sense, or is that irrelevant at this point?
I appreciate all the help fellas! Most of the break down in logic here stems from the fact that I know so little about cars. It's been a real "crash course" so to speak, but you guys have been very patient with me and I am forever grateful!
| I drove a '50 from the day I got my license thru college! Sadly, we sold it when I got married. I recently got the chance to buy the same car back from the man I sold it to; but the deal fell through and now I own a nicer one: 4 Dr Styleline Deluxe! |
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lobucrod
Contributor
Posts: 223
Age: 61
Loc: Springtown Texas
Reg: 10-01-07
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08-05-12 11:00 AM - Post#2255989
In response to 2ndtime50guy
Yes, ign switch to Balast resistor then + side of coil.
'38 Chevy Coupe
'50 Sedan Delivery
'37 Chevy Peecup
2000 Harley Heritage Classic
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2ndtime50guy
Contributor
Posts: 425
Loc: Midwestern U.S.A.
Reg: 04-06-12
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08-05-12 12:18 PM - Post#2256023
In response to lobucrod
YAY WE HAVE SPARK!!!!!!!!!!!
I ran all the tests and all that was fine. It's wired right too. I had some help from Bob Hayden over the phone and after several more tests, we determined that the bolt from the side of the distributor into the points and condenser was GROUNDING OUT to the distributor housing. So, at Bob's advice, I checked the nylon washer and it was cracked just enough that we had metal on metal contact going though the housing. I added a new washer in there and now we have spark! Who would've thunk? Anyway, my neighbor came over and we put a little gas in the carburetor and it ALMOST started. It backfired a few times at least. We were able to then determine that the carburetor has a few leaks and I need to buy a rebuild kit. Once I rebuild it I think it's gonna start! Thanks for all your help and special thanks to Bob Hayden for finding that short over the phone!
| I drove a '50 from the day I got my license thru college! Sadly, we sold it when I got married. I recently got the chance to buy the same car back from the man I sold it to; but the deal fell through and now I own a nicer one: 4 Dr Styleline Deluxe! |
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bobg1951chevy
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 4902
Loc: Ellijay, GA
Reg: 02-18-08
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08-05-12 12:22 PM - Post#2256027
In response to 2ndtime50guy
Great news, can't beat that Hayden guy ! 
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2blu52
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 13086
Age: 79
Loc: Montana
Reg: 03-12-02
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08-05-12 06:20 PM - Post#2256165
In response to 2ndtime50guy
YAY WE HAVE SPARK!!!!!!!!!!!
I ran all the tests and all that was fine. It's wired right too. I had some help from Bob Hayden over the phone and after several more tests, we determined that the bolt from the side of the distributor into the points and condenser was GROUNDING OUT to the distributor housing. So, at Bob's advice, I checked the nylon washer and it was cracked just enough that we had metal on metal contact going though the housing. I added a new washer in there and now we have spark! Who would've thunk? Anyway, my neighbor came over and we put a little gas in the carburetor and it ALMOST started. It backfired a few times at least. We were able to then determine that the carburetor has a few leaks and I need to buy a rebuild kit. Once I rebuild it I think it's gonna start! Thanks for all your help and special thanks to Bob Hayden for finding that short over the phone!
I hope you put the air cleaner back on when priming the engine, a back fire with loose fuel in the system can cause real problems. About 3 years ago a farmer his son and a nieghbor were trying to start a long dormant old pickup. Primed the engine and it back fired sprayed burning fuel on every one and the son died as a result. The two minutes to replace the air cleaner would have been a good investment.
"PEACE IS THAT GLORIUS MOMENT IN HISTORY WHEN EVERY ONE STANDS AROUND RELOADING"
THOMAS JEFFERSON |
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2ndtime50guy
Contributor
Posts: 425
Loc: Midwestern U.S.A.
Reg: 04-06-12
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08-05-12 08:08 PM - Post#2256191
In response to 2blu52
No, we didn't, but we WILL from now on!!! That's such a tragedy.
| I drove a '50 from the day I got my license thru college! Sadly, we sold it when I got married. I recently got the chance to buy the same car back from the man I sold it to; but the deal fell through and now I own a nicer one: 4 Dr Styleline Deluxe! |
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2ndtime50guy
Contributor
Posts: 425
Loc: Midwestern U.S.A.
Reg: 04-06-12
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08-05-12 08:44 PM - Post#2256214
In response to 2ndtime50guy
I forgot to mention, we got the car started. The cables weren't in the right firing order, so I fixed that, cleaned and gapped the sparks plugs, and no more back fire! Just a running engine!!
| I drove a '50 from the day I got my license thru college! Sadly, we sold it when I got married. I recently got the chance to buy the same car back from the man I sold it to; but the deal fell through and now I own a nicer one: 4 Dr Styleline Deluxe! |
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Bob_Hayden
"12th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 5742
Age: 66
Loc: Indianapolis, In. USA
Reg: 07-17-01
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 08-05-12 08:45 PM - Post#2256216
In response to 2ndtime50guy
Thats great!!! Glad you got it started!!
| Bob Hayden's 54 Chevy, 350 Engine with TH400 Tranny and 94 4X4 Blazer Rear End with 3:23 gears.(FINISHED PICS) </a> My 54 Albums |
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whiskey1954
Contributor
Posts: 442
Loc: central north carolina
Reg: 12-07-08
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08-05-12 08:49 PM - Post#2256218
In response to 2ndtime50guy
2ndtime50guy: congrats "It's alive"
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bobg1951chevy
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 4902
Loc: Ellijay, GA
Reg: 02-18-08
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08-05-12 09:00 PM - Post#2256225
In response to 2ndtime50guy
Great feeling of accomplishment, huh ?
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2blu52
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 13086
Age: 79
Loc: Montana
Reg: 03-12-02
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08-06-12 05:47 AM - Post#2256300
In response to 2ndtime50guy
Moving on! great job.
"PEACE IS THAT GLORIUS MOMENT IN HISTORY WHEN EVERY ONE STANDS AROUND RELOADING"
THOMAS JEFFERSON |
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2ndtime50guy
Contributor
Posts: 425
Loc: Midwestern U.S.A.
Reg: 04-06-12
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08-06-12 08:14 AM - Post#2256337
In response to 2blu52
Thanks guys! You all deserve the credit for teaching me everything along the way. An extra hats off goes to Bob Hayden for putting up with all my phone calls! 
By the way, does anyone else use imageshack? I uploaded 2 videos TWICE yesterday, and they immediately "lost" them. The links didn't work and then they were gone. I wonder if they are over the size limit and I have to be a paying subscriber there to upload video...I need to go read their terms I guess.
| I drove a '50 from the day I got my license thru college! Sadly, we sold it when I got married. I recently got the chance to buy the same car back from the man I sold it to; but the deal fell through and now I own a nicer one: 4 Dr Styleline Deluxe! |
Edited by 2ndtime50guy on 08-06-12 08:16 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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2ndtime50guy
Contributor
Posts: 425
Loc: Midwestern U.S.A.
Reg: 04-06-12
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08-06-12 08:29 AM - Post#2256344
In response to 2ndtime50guy
Actually, never mind. I guess they have a "waiting period" on videos to process them. Here they are, 12 hours later:
First start on video: (actually the 3rd start)
http://imageshack.us/clip/my-videos/20/tdyi vomficx...
First test of Wolf Whistle: (removed due to vacuum leak)
http://imageshack.us/clip/my-videos/689/qco dieotbj...
| I drove a '50 from the day I got my license thru college! Sadly, we sold it when I got married. I recently got the chance to buy the same car back from the man I sold it to; but the deal fell through and now I own a nicer one: 4 Dr Styleline Deluxe! |
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