1941 truck won't start
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1941 truck won't start
I have a 1941 V8 flathead that is getting fire to the points and is going into the coil and not coming out of the coil. The coil has been replaced with a new one but the plugs still are not getting any fire. Can anyone please give me any insight into what could be the problem? Thanks so much!
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From: McAlester, OK
First of all, welcome to FTE!
The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is to make sure the block is well grounded and grounded right. They came with a large cable connecting the passenger side head to the firewall and these vehicles are positive ground, at least from the factory. Has the dizzy been rebuilt? And just for curiousity, what type/size of vehicle is then in and how far along is it? Sounds like you may be done. Well, good luck, and I hope you get it going.
The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is to make sure the block is well grounded and grounded right. They came with a large cable connecting the passenger side head to the firewall and these vehicles are positive ground, at least from the factory. Has the dizzy been rebuilt? And just for curiousity, what type/size of vehicle is then in and how far along is it? Sounds like you may be done. Well, good luck, and I hope you get it going.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,776
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From: Kalispell, MT
Do I understand you have current at the points? If so, the coil is working. Power goes from batt to ign to coil to points to plugs. I'd check your condenser, plug wires and/or plugs as well as grounds like clayt suggested.
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I would like to say thanks for your info on our 1941 truck problem. However with the help from you and clay we got spark to the plugs. now we are having problems with starter draging down the battery and still not starting. i think i'm about to 
it! Thanks alot all! anymore info would be helpful!
it! Thanks alot all! anymore info would be helpful!
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,776
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From: Kalispell, MT
Has this truck been running before? If you're trying to get one going that's been sitting for a while make sure your fuel system is thoroughly clean, filters inline and carb cleaned of old varnish.
If the engine turns free by hand it's likely the starter needs rebuilt. Maybe just needs cleaned........but probably has bearings dragging and/or shorting out. Any reputable auto electric shop can rewire as necessary.
Don't let the frustrations get you down - when you solve one problem you learn for the future and the truck becomes just a little more reliable. Usually you won't have to do a repair again.
I've been driving a '48 daily for 2 1/2 years and it just keeps getting more reliable. Normal maintenance naturally, but problems from it being 'old' have just about disappeared. You're winning!
If the engine turns free by hand it's likely the starter needs rebuilt. Maybe just needs cleaned........but probably has bearings dragging and/or shorting out. Any reputable auto electric shop can rewire as necessary.
Don't let the frustrations get you down - when you solve one problem you learn for the future and the truck becomes just a little more reliable. Usually you won't have to do a repair again.
I've been driving a '48 daily for 2 1/2 years and it just keeps getting more reliable. Normal maintenance naturally, but problems from it being 'old' have just about disappeared. You're winning!
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From: McAlester, OK
Lets see, the 1/2 tons "shipping weight" is 2745 lbs, 3/4 is 3274, and 1 ton is 3442 lbs.
One thing you might try in order to start the truck is to pump the gas a few times (make sure that fuel is being pumped into the manifold) and then crank the engine at full throttle.
Also, if your cranking alot, check the starter cable to make sure that it doesn't get too hot. This occurs from cranking too much and/or too small of a cable. Plus it can also cause the ends to erode. Oh, and a larger cable sometimes helps your starter to crank faster.
One thing you might try in order to start the truck is to pump the gas a few times (make sure that fuel is being pumped into the manifold) and then crank the engine at full throttle.
Also, if your cranking alot, check the starter cable to make sure that it doesn't get too hot. This occurs from cranking too much and/or too small of a cable. Plus it can also cause the ends to erode. Oh, and a larger cable sometimes helps your starter to crank faster.
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Thanks
I would like to say many thanks for all the help you guys gave on our 1941 ford 3/4 ton truck. We will post pictures just as soon as we get our scanner repaired. Without good people like you guys we would be lost!
Thanks again
Thanks again
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