Intermittent Spark

[Grady1]

Hey all. Have a 48 8, front mount distributor, still a relic at 6 volts. I'm only getting spark about every 3rd revolution. Distributor, internals and coil were all changed. Purchased a timing tool from Young Hokie :wink: Yes, points were cleaned and reset to 15 *thousands . 6.4 V at the battery. This thing has me in a tail spin and I'm fading fast! Any help with be appreciated.

This post was edited by Grady1 on 10/17/2021 at 06:20 pm.

 

[rick38]

I assume that you mean 15 thousands (.015) and not degrees on the points. I'll just throw a few things out there to check;
1-Make sure your battery is hooked up pos ground and not neg ground. 2-Remove the breaker plate and check to make sure the advance weights are not worn out or
broken/dislodged. 3-Check that the insulator on the breaker plate post/coil brass screw is in good shape - I've seen it short out at times. One easy way to check
this is touch a test light to the top terminal on the coil. While cranking, it should consistently flash on and off.

Good Luck!

 

[Eman85]

You only get spark every other revolution in a 4 stroke engine

 

[Bruce (VA)]

How are you testing for spark?
75 Tips

 

[Bruce (VA)]

1-Make sure your battery is hooked up pos ground and not neg ground.

What does battery polarity have to do w/ no spark?
75 Tips

 

[Grady1]

Thanks Rick.

 

[wore out]

(quoted from post at 16:02:56 10/17/21) Hey all. Have a 48 8, front mount distributor, still a relic at 6 volts. I'm only getting spark about every 3rd revolution. Distributor, internals and coil were all changed. Purchased a timing tool from Young Hokie :wink: Yes, points were cleaned and reset to 15 *thousands . 6.4 V at the battery. This thing has me in a tail spin and I'm fading fast! Any help with be appreciated.

This post was edited by Grady1 on 10/17/2021 at 06:20 pm.

Most "intermittent spark" issues are caused by dirty/burnt/oily/oxidized breaker points that don't consistently make contact when closed.

 

[Tim PloughNman Daley]

First of all there is absolutely nothing wrong with a 6V/POS GRN system nor is it considered a relic. It and along with the FORD Front Mount Distributor are the most
misunderstood functions on these old Fords. If you dont know how they work, you will have issues, guaranteed. You also need the Ballast Resistor and the Voltage
Regulator on your 8N. Use the Standard Ignition/Blue Streak Points set, p/n FD-6769X, Gap is set at .015 and the timing is set per OEM and FO-4 Manual. The Front Mount
MUST BE MOUNTED CORRECTLY. If you get it forced off 180 deg you will destroy it. You also must use a belt tensioning device or else you will never charger the battery.
Champion 14mm H12 or AUTO-LITE 437 Plugs gapped at .025. Firing order: 1,2,4,3 CCW Start with the ESSENTIAL MANUALS

TPD