Volvo RWD 444-544 Forum

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'61 544 no spark 444-544

posted by  GolfClapperX on  Thu Dec 16 11:41 CST 2010
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last visit: Tue Aug 6 14:36 CST 2013
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Howdy folks. I've posted one other time on this forum and for a similar reason, asking how to hotwire my '61 544. You all told me that you knew how but weren't going to tell me because I must be stealing the car. Here it still sits in my shop. No spark at the coil. I replaced the coil, spliced it with the original ignition switch, from which I removed the key cylinder so that I can use a screwdriver to start it. I replaced the cap, rotor, regulator, condenser, plug wires, all wires running to the ignition switch and regulator, and now I've replaced the whole distributor. Still no spark. Went to lunch, came back to find the coil exploded all over everything within 50 feet. This is a vacuum distributor, right? I don't really get how it works, but I replaced that vacuum hose. The ignition switch is wired exactly like our running PV's switch is wired, so it must be right. Help please...








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    '61 544 no spark 444-544

    posted by  malloy1 on  Thu Dec 16 12:23 CST 2010
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    last visit: Sun Oct 12 17:44 CST 2014
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    I thought somebody answered your question.

    A '61 should be 6V. Are you using a 6V coil?

    Paul








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      '61 544 no spark 444-544

      posted by  GolfClapperX on  Thu Dec 16 13:54 CST 2010
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      last visit: Tue Aug 6 14:36 CST 2013
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      Yes, using the 6V coil from my other '61 544. Now I'll be re-installing the original for this car, which was probably still working anyway. I'll try looking at that screw through the side of the distributor next time I'm up there and see if that is shorting it out. Thanks for the ideas!








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        '61 544 no spark 444-544

        posted by  planetman on  Thu Dec 16 14:41 CST 2010
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        last visit: Fri Oct 24 09:29 CST 2014
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        Hello,

        The machine screw in question is connected to the points return spring inside the distributor.

        It is critical that the machine screw does not contact the sides of the hole in the distributor as it passes through the side of the distributor.

        If needed, I have custom assembled distributor post kits for the early Bosch distributors utilizing all Bosch parts.

        --
        Eric
        Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
        Torrance, CA 90502








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          '61 544 no spark 444-544

          posted by  derek uk on  Thu Dec 16 22:32 CST 2010
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          last visit: Fri Oct 24 12:33 CST 2014
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          This screw connection has a collection of stepped and flat insulation washers to keep it from shorting. The stepped ones go through the distributor body. From memory the stepped ones are white nylon and the flat ones brown paxolin. With the ignition on you should see a very small spark across the points if you flick them open with a screwdriver. A large flashy spark usually means a failed condensor. No spark probably means that the screw/post is shorting out.
          I've never heard of a coil exploding that quickly but they can get very hot if you leave the ignition on. I assume your ignition light comes on?








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    '61 544 no spark 444-544

    posted by  walrus3 on  Thu Dec 16 11:55 CST 2010
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    last visit: Mon Dec 2 14:20 CST 2013
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    The coil exploded because the ignition was on with the points closed for a long time,
    causing it to overheat.
    You're gonna have to get another coil....
    Would probably be good to make sure that when your points break (coil wire unhooked)
    that you still don't have a ground at the distributor terminal.
    Often that is because of a short where the screw comes through the distributor body.







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