Hi Everyone,
I have been fighting a nagging problem lately involving my MSD Box, Wiring and/or my Carb. The engine would want to run, but just couldn't seem to get going. I had checked and set the timing many times and had my work double-checked by others. I had checked for fuel, spark and air and all seem to be right with the world. However, she still would not fire. After the second week of no ignition, I decided to scrap the wiring a had and redo every wire and double-check every switch with a meter all over again. I had two very helpful, knowledgeable people with me also working on the problem. One who has already built one A&C Cobra.
The problem was discovered:
The Lucas Ignition switch was showing keyed positive power "Run" on the second position when coming from "Off" (First position). That is what is supposed to happen, Cool. However, after turning the key to the third position "Start" and then back to the second position "Run" there was no power. The Switch was bad! I had been fooled because when I had previously tested the switch I had only tested the switch coming from the off position.
After discovering this issue, we went down to Advance Auto and grabbed a generic 68 Ford mustang 4 post ignition. It took about ten minutes to wire it up. What happened next is hard to explain. It is only shadowed by the birth of my daughter and my marriage to my wife (Well, I'm sure there are other things but they escape me at this moment).
Pop, pop, pop......Pop, Pop..... Nothing. RRRRRRRRRRROARRRRRR!!!!, Blub, Blub, Blub..... Angels wept, Champagne fell from the heavens. Pat, Jeff and myself stood looking at the motor in a moment of awe. I know for a lot of you this is a feeling which you have become accustom too. For me it was a near religious experience. I had visions of the up and coming summer. Cruising along stretches of the local expressways and coastal lake roads. I was laughing like a school girl and then my wife opened the door to the garage. I thought I was in trouble. We have a six month old and it was about eight thirty at night. Too my surprise, she was smiling ear to ear as well. When I finally turned off the engine she told me that everything on the garage side of the house was shaking. Immediately after I was asked by her "When will it be done?!". I cannot wait for summer.
Thanks to all for their advice on the problem. This is a great place for Cobra owners and just good people.
-- Mike
