Step Two - ...still

Sunday, I started to work on the front brakes. They have essentially locked up. Keep in mind that there is no brake fluid in the
brake lines and the front wheels will NOT roll. I had to beat the right front drum off with a 'one-by' piece of oak and was ready
to start the re-honing process when 'Dan O' (pictured) walked up (thank god). I quickly abondoned the brake job and began to focus on
something that I needed help with... STARTING THE ENGINE.



We whittled down that we were getting spark to the coil but not getting anything else beyond the coil. Comical note: We were
looking for an electrical tester but couldn't find mine. Its a fancy-schmancy model that has a lot options. I truly only know how to operate the continuity function. The rest is a mystery to me. Dan had an electrical tester (much like the one I had but couldn't find).
But neither of us had the expertise to take advantage of its superior technology. So when we couldn't figure it out, we devised a
tester by wrapping a wire around a 12V light bulb (probably an 1157) and tapping the base to a common ground. In our case a
negative post on the battery. It worked like a charm and was a good match for my intelligence.

Our assumption was that the coil was the problem. Good assumption considering that the coil was 30
years old. So we ran up to the local parts store and purchased a new coil. Brought it back and tested it. SORRY! Still no fire to
the spark plug. If anyone reads this and has a suggestion for testing a coil. I would love to hear it.



So on a whim, we decided to test the coil wire. These were plug (and coil) wires which I personally custom fit to the engine 20
years ago. To my surprise (and Dan's) the coil wire would not transmit current. A closer look revealed that these plug wires were
'Mallory Silicon Core' wires. They would not pass any type of electrical activity. I did a little research and discovered that
these type of wires are infamous for crapping out. We were sorely disappointed but happy to determine that we were closer to
actually getting the engine to run.



So, I'll make a run to the parts store and pick up new plug wires. While I am at it, I will also pick up a condenser and points. Hopefully replacing those will finally
get us fire to the sparkplugs. Stay tuned...