Distributor

[vern hodgson]

How much rotational play should the distributor shaft be allowed to have? When I set the timing and tighten the screw I can still rotate the shaft wth about 1/2" play. Also when using a lite to set points, the lite never completely goes out but just glows very faintly, does this indicate a short?

[Beauford]

I just timed mine and I have zero play. I am new to Model A's so I'm not sure about the "play" that's allowed. I used this video when I timed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwirH7f0a9o I didn't have my distributor all the way seated at first and it gave me light when there shouldn't be any. Hope that helps a little....the experts will be in soon.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by vern hodgson

How much rotational play should the distributor shaft be allowed to have? When I set the timing and tighten the screw I can still rotate the shaft wth about 1/2" play. Also when using a lite to set points, the lite never completely goes out but just glows very faintly, does this indicate a short?

Your good. You just have to be sure you take the play into account when timing the car. Click on picture for details.

[Tom Wesenberg]

How do you have the light connected to the points?
If you have it connected across the points contacts, then the light should go completely out when the points close, and come on when the points open. If the light glows when the points close, it means the contacts aren't conducting as well as they should, or the distributor may need a better ground. A jumper wire can be used to check for a better ground.

[Brentwood Bob]

Look to see if the wear block on the points is worn down and allowing the points to contact the distributor cam.

[vern hodgson]

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I hook one clip to the coil, red side, and the other to ground. I will try using the points and ground when I feel I can brave the cold. Thanks

[Tom Wesenberg]

OK, since you connect the test light at the coil, you will have some line loss between the coil and points ground, and this will allow a very low voltage to go through the test light. It should be so low though that the light won't glow. If everything is good, I would expect the line loss to be well under one volt.