Technical 1947 flathead ignition wiring

I have a 1947 Ford tudor which I am having starting issues with, I am pretty sure it’s to do with the wiring.

I am running the original points Crab distributor and 12V. I can not see a ballest resistor in the system but under the dash looks to be a resistance wire? ( a length of wire with insulation around it and coupled up with a cable tie?) when I turn on the ignition switch I only have 7-8v to the coil, my stater solenoid only has 1 terminal so not running the I terminal. Do you think maybe my issue is in the wiring?




Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

To answer your question YES,
3 days and about 150 bucks should fix your problem. Why even try to investigate an old electrical system that is giving you 8 volts to the coil when its evident your trying to improve it with a 12 volt system. Install a new harness.

 

Way back in the 70’s, I became interested in early Ford cars. One of the first things to do is: Get rid of the 6 volt system; it was not real good when new and now that is over 50 years old it is marginal at best. It will leave you stranded at the most inopportune times. Get rid of it! I am 70 years young and have owned over 15 early Ford cars. Flatheads Forever!

 

You should have about 7-8 volts to the coil in a 12 volt system right? That is unless you are using a coil with an internal resistor.

 

7 to 8 volts is correct for a 12 volt system with resistor loom...that isnt your problem....

 

Thanks for the replies everyone question does the coil need a 12v Supply for starting or is the 7-8v enough to fire the engine?


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Should the ballast resistor (loom) be byp***ed while cranking, to put a fill 12 volts on the coil?

 

Hope this helps


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

That’s great thanks do you have a curator diagram as per my cars description or should re-wire as per your drawings ??


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

No I don’t have one of those... I think I would just rewire as it looks to be straight forward.


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Sorry, yes I’ve over looked that. Bubba (of course) is correct. My apologies.

 

Just for reference on what should be where...on Most '47's, the original resistor is inside the car on firewall, near where the big wiring harness goes through to the engine. Late '47's and '48's have it right on top of the coil.

 

Not a Ford expert but I believe 6v Fords used a 4V coil with a resistor in the wiring somewhere. I'm pretty sure I have seen old Ford coils marked 4V.