The Ford Barn

Jake H. · 09-03-2011, 12:27 AM

My car had a slight miss that got gradually worse, until it would barely run when hot.
I narrowed it down to ignition shortly after pulling the distributor cap. The coil contact inside the cap looks like someone took a drill bit to it, and there was fine carbon powder everywhere! Also, the rotor tip is slightly discolored and worn a bit too much for the limited amount of mileage on it.

This was a borrowed distributor to get the engine running after sitting for decades. Now I'm beginning to wonder if it had the wrong rotor.

I noticed that the spring steel piece on top of the rotor contacts the inside lid of the cap before you even seat the cap all the way down. Is this normal?

ken ct · 09-03-2011, 02:24 AM

Jake,judging by the look of alumium contacts inside the cap i would say its made off-shore like all the other crap.Buy usa made w/brass contacts,the rotor is correct but probebly off-shore too.The spring does contact the carbon before the cap is fully seated[normal]. I have usa made parts if you like. ken ct PM or email.There is also a gasket in there.

jimTN · 09-03-2011, 06:34 AM

As for a miss, look carefully at each wire hole, the inferior caps and originals have a way of burning thru.

Terry,OH · 09-03-2011, 08:54 AM

the rotor appears to be correct, I also strongly suggest a cap problem. NAPA FA78 may fix you up.

BUBBAS IGNITION · 09-03-2011, 10:22 AM

Buy the parts from Ken and use the gasket .

Jake H. · 09-03-2011, 11:56 AM

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Thanks for all the help, guys.

Jim, I ordered some caps and rotors from you already.

I need to put this distributor back together with some good parts for my buddy that I borrowed it from.

I just wasn't sure if he had the proper rotor in there or not.

This problem is what prompted me to ship a couple old crabs for the two-for-one program.

Funny thing. Right after I got done taking these pics, I saw a small package from Bubba's Hot Rod Shop on my front porch!

Just waiting for the good cap and rotor, and I'll be back in business.

I will get one of those gaskets from Ken, though. Sounds like some cheap insurance.

09-03-2011, 12:27 AM	#1
Jake H. Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 72	Crab cap meltdown...wrong rotor? My car had a slight miss that got gradually worse, until it would barely run when hot. I narrowed it down to ignition shortly after pulling the distributor cap. The coil contact inside the cap looks like someone took a drill bit to it, and there was fine carbon powder everywhere! Also, the rotor tip is slightly discolored and worn a bit too much for the limited amount of mileage on it. This was a borrowed distributor to get the engine running after sitting for decades. Now I'm beginning to wonder if it had the wrong rotor. I noticed that the spring steel piece on top of the rotor contacts the inside lid of the cap before you even seat the cap all the way down. Is this normal?

09-03-2011, 02:24 AM	#2
ken ct BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: stratford,ct Posts: 5,971	Re: Crab cap meltdown...wrong rotor? Jake,judging by the look of alumium contacts inside the cap i would say its made off-shore like all the other crap.Buy usa made w/brass contacts,the rotor is correct but probebly off-shore too.The spring does contact the carbon before the cap is fully seated[normal]. I have usa made parts if you like. ken ct PM or email.There is also a gasket in there.

09-03-2011, 06:34 AM	#3
jimTN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Powell, TN Posts: 2,617	Re: Crab cap meltdown...wrong rotor? As for a miss, look carefully at each wire hole, the inferior caps and originals have a way of burning thru.

09-03-2011, 08:54 AM	#4
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5,188	Re: Crab cap meltdown...wrong rotor? the rotor appears to be correct, I also strongly suggest a cap problem. NAPA FA78 may fix you up.

09-03-2011, 10:22 AM	#5
BUBBAS IGNITION Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SPEEDWAY INDIANA Posts: 4,148	Re: Crab cap meltdown...wrong rotor? Buy the parts from Ken and use the gasket . __________________ If it Makes Spark, we do it !!!! www.bubbasignition.com [email protected]

09-03-2011, 11:56 AM	#6
Jake H. Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 72	Re: Crab cap meltdown...wrong rotor? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks for all the help, guys. Jim, I ordered some caps and rotors from you already. I need to put this distributor back together with some good parts for my buddy that I borrowed it from. I just wasn't sure if he had the proper rotor in there or not. This problem is what prompted me to ship a couple old crabs for the two-for-one program. Funny thing. Right after I got done taking these pics, I saw a small package from Bubba's Hot Rod Shop on my front porch! Just waiting for the good cap and rotor, and I'll be back in business. I will get one of those gaskets from Ken, though. Sounds like some cheap insurance.