1953-1960 Classic Car Engines Troubleshooting Guide: Engine Won't Start Due to Grounded Primary Ignition Circuit

The text for this Guide originally appeared in the 23rd edition of Motor's Repair Manual, published in 1960 and copyrighted by Motor Information Systems, and is used with their permission.

Things to Look For:

A grounded coil primary winding, a grounded ignition switch, or a grounded switch-to-coil primary lead will cause excessive current flow and will usually cause wires to burn.

1. Ignition points not opening due to improper adjustment.
2. Ignition points not opening due to worn rubbing block on breaker arm.
3. Faulty insulating bushing in breaker arm.
4. Cracked or faulty insulator at distributor primary terminal.
5. Grounded condenser.
6. Distributor-to-coil lead grounded.
7. Primary coil winding grounded.

The Complete Guide to Troubleshooting 1953-1960 Era American Classic Car Engines