MTFCA Forum

Hi,

Had the T running, then a puff of white smoke came from under the dash? I was told that the ammeter might have gone, yet it still registers when lights are on etc. I was also told it could be the ignition switch ? I'm also running a True Fire ignition which has been in the car over 10 years ( would love to be able to find another one). but that's another story. pretty novice T owner here. Seems it needs a little more work each year....
I know its " 100 " this year.
May be looking to sell at some point, yet when I get it going.......I just can't ! any thoughts from the experts here is appreciated.

Be Well
John

This is what you need.

What year is it? Did it still run after the puff of smoke?Do you have floor mats? What do you mean by "Under the dash"? Have you looked for something that looks burnt?
the reason i ask all these questions is because different year models have different configurations. Some have wood firewalls and others steel. Smoke could be electrical or it could be something from the engine or exhaust system coming up through the floorboards. Were you driving at the time or just had the engine running?

Anyway we need more detail because different things could cause the smoke.
Norm

"I know its " 100 " this year." 1920?

Hi,

The car is a 1920 roadster. It has a wooden fire wall and it was running at the time, then it stopped running and I did see a puff of smoke.I do have a floor mat. the car stopped running and now it will not start. I know I still have some power from the battery as the headlights still work.I looked for anything that appeared burnt, did not find anything ?

John

Do you have a fuse from the switch to the battery under the dash? Always helps to understand how the car is wired - extra lights etc Example diagram

When you turn on the headlights does the meter show discharge?

Since you have trufire, you must be running on battery. If so, try turning the ignition on and see if you get current to the terminal at the bottom of the coil box. If you do get current there, the wiring between battery and ignition switch is OK and the switch and wire to the coil box is OK. In that case, your problem might be the trufire unit. If you get no juce to the bottom of the coil box, try tracing back toward the battery. If you have juice on the battery side of the switch but not on the coil side, your problem is in the switch.
Norm

JB007 wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 13, 2020 7:20 am

.... I was told that the ammeter might have gone, yet it still registers when lights are on etc. .... I'm also running a True Fire ignition...10 years ...

Since you indicated that the ammeter registers, lets assume that the wiring from the generator to the battery is correct. AND since the engine does not start the problem may be from the switch to the coil box. In case you no longer have them and for others, here is a link to the installation and trouble shooting instructions for the True Fire box https://www.vintageplanet.ca/assets/ima ... o%2012.pdf So what do you have -- The True-Fire Ignition System will be damaged by the high AC voltage that is produced by the Model T magneto. You must disconnect your magneto unless you purchased a Magneto Voltage Regulator manufactured by Bittner Engineering