Dan,
These ignition failures resembles my experience a while back. It
wasn't the coil at fault, it was the condenser/capacitor. At first, the
engine would start fine, then at 10-15 minutes there would be a couple of
misfires, then no spark. With each cool-down and repetition, the cycle
got shorter.
One expects to see evidence on the points/contact breakers when a
condenser perishes after long use. The engine did not run enough hours
for the peak&cavity pattern to emerge, as the trouble started with
installation of new points & condenser at a tuneup.
Try changing the condenser. You may be able to find one locally, at
NAPA or another parts place. It's a quick test, and I hope that the
problem proves to be that simple.
Bob
>
> Several trips beyond the local neighborhood roads have resulted in
> misadventures. Each time, after driving in traffic conditions for 15
> to 20 minutes, the engine begins to misfire, backfire and lose power,
then
> finally stop and not start again. >
>
> Upon investigation, I found a shattered graphite center contact on
> the distributor cap, so I replaced the cap. The car started, but then
> the same thing - loss of power and stop.
This should be a one-time thing, probably caused at installation. You may
be able to find a used cap from another car from which you can adapt the
graphite center contact.
>
> Next, I replaced the coil with another one borrowed from a friend.
> That allowed me to drive about 15 or 20 miles. I was able to reach my
> destination (where the car is now). But on the way, the engine
> stopped suddenly and completely. This time it started back up again
without
> delay, so I was able to go on.
> >
> This last loss of power was more immediate than the earlier
> problems. Was the last loss of power a fluke? I presume I should
replace the coil
> no matter what. Maybe after that, I replace the condenser, especially
> if it fails again. >
Since it happened twice, in similar fashion, I don't think it's a coil.
>
> I am trying to get "up and running" reliably, as I would like to
> take the car on an extended trip in August. Any suggestions for
testing or
> diagnosing possible faults?
Once you have these little bugs sorted, you should be in good shape for
many miles. TDs and TFs are reliable little friends that run and run
without complaint. Before you start out, readjust points and reset
timing, as there may be rapid wear on the points' rubbing block when new,
thus closing the gap. If you take along a spare fuel pump,
points&condenser, a distributor cap, a long sparkplug wire, and
sparkplugs, you should be ready for anything. Have a good trip.
Bob
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Dan
>
> 54 TF
>
> Columbus
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