1953-1960 Classic Car Engines Troubleshooting Guide: Muffler Explosion

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:

This is a sharp, gun-like report caused by temporary cessation of ignition. If this trouble occurs frequently, once it starts, the most likely causes are:

1. Intermittent open circuit in primary (ammeter needle swings further away from zero when generator is charging).
2. Intermittent short circuit in primary (ammeter needle swings toward zero when generator is charging).
3. Short circuit in coil or in secondary wire from coil to distributor.
4. If just a couple of explosions are heard and then no more for a time (even for days) the trouble may be due to a gradually failing condenser.

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