| Kpyto71 | -- 07-29-2026 @ 9:56 AM |
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Okay... I've been searching and I haven't been able to figure it out on my own, so I'll ask here and beg forgiveness for the probably dumb question. I am having a starting issue with my 1941 Convertible. I have had some starting issues since we owned the car, mostly due to when it has been running (I've posted about my hot start issues prior). I ended up replacing the coil and the resistor... but the change came with the resistor. I replaced the coil (purchased from Dennis Carpenter), the car started cold no issues, and seemed to perform better. After having some more issues starting after sitting a while, I replaced the resistor (purchased from Dennis Carpenter also), and it was a big improvement. Car ran fantastic. Several weeks went by, and I went to start the car... nothing. This is where my limited knowledge comes into play... and I need some help. I have read that perhaps I have a condenser issue. So, my first question... is it mounted on the outside of the distributor housing? My distributor is the 11A "helmet" style - and my car is all as-built - 6 volt system. When I look on Dennis Carpenter's site, what I see as a picture of the condenser for my '41 does not look like what I have on my engine. If it's mounted on the outside of the distributor housing, then mine is barrel shaped, maybe 1.25" long and about 1/2" - 3/4" in diameter, and has a wire coming off of it. The one pictured on Dennis Carpenter has no wire, but a metal piece. Second dumb question... what's the easiest way to check my spark before I go to replace the condenser. Sorry for the silly questions, but I'm new to this... I don't have a problem learning, and I guess asking the dumb questions is how I'll do it. I appreciate the help.... I have a car show coming up at the end of August and I'd like to be able to get to it. Thanks in advance. C.
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| TomO | -- 07-29-2026 @ 7:06 PM |
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There are no dumb questions. The easiest way to check spark is to grab a spark plug wire with a pair of insulated pliers and hold the wire near a head nut. You can also use a screwdriver that fits inside the plug wire end to hold the wire near a head nut. The condenser that Denis Carpenter sells is the correct configuration. The condenser mounts on the sid of the coil and the metal piece fits on the top distributor bolt. Your symptoms sound like a bad coil or condenser, but could also be the points. If the condenser does not fix your problem, send the distributor with the coil and condenser to Skip Haney to have him check it out. Skip's website security certificate expired so here is his contact information 941-505-9085, 941-639-0920, skiphaneyfl@aol.com If that doesn't work for you, I live about 50 miles from you and may be able to help you out. I don't drive out of my neighborhood, so you would have to come up here. Tom
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| carcrazy | -- 07-29-2026 @ 8:04 PM |
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The correct Ignition Condenser for a 1941 Ford looks like this one. https://cgfordparts.com/products/distributor-condenser-37-41-pass-pu-39-41-merc-v8-78-12300?_pos=1&_sid=3bec176fd&_ss=r&_fid=a19a724f0
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