condenser fiber washer

[slatgrille]

I'm in the process of figuring out why my '29 RPU decided to stop producing a spark after running fine last fall and starting right up last month. Used to get a nice crisp blue spark when arcing the points with a screwdriver. Now......nothing! New points, condenser, ignition switch, dist. cap, rotor, wiring....as I said, was fine until last month.

I took off the distributor upper/lower plates and condenser that has a fiber washer attached with the screw that connects it into the circuit. Of course it fell out when I 'gutted' the dist. housing. Before putting it back I started thinking...did I have it in the correct spot?

I searched in books and online for pics of this washer and its placement in exploded view drawings, but nothing shows up. Drawings only show the screw connecting the front of the condenser to the circuit....no washer shown.

Do I really need this washer? I have those 'shock proof' condensers and I don't really see the purpose of this insulating washer anyway. It was there before and the car ran, but am becoming confused now...

Guess it's time to get back to my comfort zone with the old jeeps...

Craig