Problem: loss of power when heating up - clues for the cause?

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Richard Farrant

No one has mentioned the condenser, they can give similar symptoms when they break down.

Thanks Richard - I was just reading up on faulty condensers while I wrote my reply above.

Hanno

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Thanks Richard - I was just reading up on faulty condensers while I wrote my reply above.

Hanno

Hanno,
A sure sign of a condenser failing is burnt points. They often fail when run for a certain time, then after cooling will run again. A common fault.
Also check your coil is connected the correct way around.

Richard

[Lynn Eades]

If you have to change the polarity of the coil:
I can advise that there was a thread on the Fordbarn forum where "Bubba" (Jim Linder)(a flathead dizzy specialist in the states, with the credentials) says the coil can loose 80% of it's original output capability, if it has its polarity reversed in service.

[Richard Farrant]

I should clarify, ensure the coil suits the polarity of the vehicle, there are both Negative Earth and Positive Earth coils, then ensure they are wired correctly. As has been said, the wiring reversed will reduce the output of the spark and not only that but the spark is reversed, this can cause problems in the distributor cap too.
Firstly I would go for the condenser, they fail more regularly than coils.

regards, Richard

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Richard Farrant

I should clarify, ensure the coil suits the polarity of the vehicle, there are both Negative Earth and Positive Earth coils, then ensure they are wired correctly.

That's a good pont, will check that as well as the condenser.