[ihc] Reverse Polarity (coil "Q")

["T.R.E.Jr." <T_R_E_Jr@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

---Okay, so here I am with the same symptoms that I had since the re-gasket
and painting of my motor. I originally thought it was the EGR Valve, but
while sitting and learning from the manuals... let me first say this, the
International Service Manual is the FIRST and ONLY manual I have ever read
where it asks you* a question. Way to pull me right into the book and set my
butt down in class. I believe it was Mr. Hofstetter about a year ago who
stated that someone showed him the pencil test and he was amazed, but I
could be wrong as to whom it was, but I am not mistaken that it is now I who
is amazed. I am going to be dreaming electron and thermionic emission for
weeks!

---I have the 304 w/Prestolite dizzy in front of a T19, $650.50 in wiring
(complete re-wire including new fangled ground system, relay for the Delco
starter, new coil, alternator, battery, cap, rotor button, 6 year old Bosch
Platinum plugs, 2 year (or so) old Bosch high tension wires, new intake
gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets and rebuilt 2300 carb w/manual choke. What
else did I forget? I don't know, but this `73 Scout II is now a `73 Scout
IIK. Darn near new IMHO. I start up fine when cold, a little more cranking
than ever before, a little more choke than before, but she fires up, idles
smooth, and then, when under load, she hesitates, sputters and almost
backfires even. From what the manual has taught me, I need to try the pencil
test. I don't know how my polarity could be reversed, but the spark color is
weak blue (tested off a good Autolite plug). If the coil is hooked up
properly, what other sources of confusion could there be? How do I fit my
thick skull between the inner fender and the engine to view the spark during
the pencil test?

---BTW, the wife was having a blast while I read to her from the manual. She
was learnin' somethin' too. Heh, she even asked if it were possible that the
coil was hooked up wrong while I was trying to crank it after it stalled out
on our way to the library. Battery cranked normally for a while, had spark
in rhythm on all 8 plugs. What gives? Any insight as to what else could
cause reverse polarity besides the coil? I will check it, but I can't see
how I go wrong with a brown and red wire at the coil and a red wire for key
switch?

---Thank you,
-T.R.E.Jr.
-`73 Scout II (StoneThrower)
-`51 Farmall H (Heinz)
-`49 IH fridge (presently unnamed and in need of a compressor)
-`49 Plymouth Special Deluxe 4-door Sedan (Papapalooza)