Ignition problem

[Russell Prescott]

Garaged my 1959 last night and this afternoon it starts put as soon as I take my hand off the ignition the starter stops and so does the engine. Does anyone have advice as to what went wrong without any notice or how to fix my problem?

Russell Prescott

[Clem Z.]

Re: Ignition problem

use a ohm meter to check the ignition coil resistor to see if it opened up.

[John H.]

Re: Ignition problem

Russell -

Check for continuity across the terminals on the ballast resistor. The coil gets power direct from the starter solenoid when the starter is cranking, but when the key returns to the "On" position, power to the coil comes only from the ignition switch through the secondary side of the ballast resistor. If the resistor has failed, you'll only have power to the coil while cranking.

[Clem Z.]

john you have such a way with words *NM*

[Mike M.]

Re: Ignition problem

take a jumper wire with aligator clips and connect the clips to the screws on the ballast resistor. if it runs fine, your ballast resistor took a crap as john suggested. i carry a wire with clips in all my ballast resistor equipped gm cars so if a ballast resistor fails in lower poopville, i can get home. good luck, mike

[Mike E.]

Re: Ignition problem

Mike--
You're too practical--I just carry a straight screwdriver so I can put all the wires from both sides on one terminal so I can get home.

[Tracy C.]

Re: Ignition problem

Russell,

A problem in the ignition switch will also do this. If the jumping across the ballast resistor doesn't work, put a jumper wire from the positive terminal on the battery to the positive terminial on the coil.

This works fine, but you will need to pull the wire to shut it off after it starts.

tc

[Mike M.]

Re: Ignition problem

mike: i clip a st christopher's medal on all the jumpers. ya can't do that with yer screwdriver. regards, mike

[Rick S.]

Re: Ignition problem

What state is "lower poopville" in? I can't seem to locate it on Mapquest. I would like to avoid this location at all costs.
Rick

[Dick W.]

Re: Ignition problem

It is right between eastern Cumberland MD and the WV state line.:D

[Mike M.]

Re: Ignition problem

no dickie, its 20 mi no of bum-screw , georgia. where the midget resides. mike

[Terry M.]

Re: Ignition problem

I don't think the Rev. Mike (need to distinguish which Mike) subscribes to St. Christopher. St. C is a different brand. However, going to worship (regardless at which house) at least twice on the Sabbath will keep anyone from needing either the talisman, screwdriver, or jumper wire. Prayers to the Corvette father are recommended.

[John H.]

Re: john you have such a way with words

Clem, when I posted that answer, there were no other responses showing, although yours was three hours ahead of mine; I think it's the aliens again

[Clem Z.]

Re: john you have such a way with words

just spoffing you john