dist part testing

[1930artdeco]

Hi Folks,

Just curious about testing some things. I am building up an original dist and would like to test a few things just to make sure they are good.

1-Lower plate with original wire. I did a continuity test and my meter beeped. I assume the wire is good to use.

2-Is there a way to test original style condensers with a meter? One was in the body-I assume it is from the 60's or earlier. Mind you I am an electrical dummy so if you post instructions follow the KIS principle.

Thanks,

Mike

[Tom Endy]

An important test is to make sure the lower wire where it attaches to the points is not shorting when you move the spark advance arm. This is a common place for a short as you cannot see it. The short will occur if you did not attach the lower wire correctly or orient the solder lug correctly.

Put a business card between the points. Put one ohm meter lead on casting ground, the other lead on the arm of the points. There should be no continuity. Move the spark advance lever through its arc and check that there still is no continuity as you move the lever. Hopefully you installed the correct fine stranded wire on the lower plate.

Tom Endy

[1930artdeco]

Hi Tom,

It is the original wire from the factory as far as I can tell. Thanks for input when I get everything together I will do that test.

Mike

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

If it is a 80 year old wire from the factory, you need to bend it back and forth several times to see if the insulation is brittle and cracks. It would be very unusual for a 80 year old wire to not have brittle insulation. I would replace the wire or bottom plate.

Agreed, since it is already apart, find a hobby shop and get the wire they use for R/C car batteries. I don't think judges take apart the dist to check that wire.

[Growley bear]

RC shops sell a very fine and flexible wire with a silicone jacket. Would probably last a long long time. Without a condenser tester to actually test the capacity in micro farads, an analog VOM will give a good indication of the condition of an automotive capacitor. Turn on the meter-select the ohm scale-momentarily connect test leads to condenser body and wire-reverse the connection and watch the meter needle-if it jumps it is a good indication that the condenser is good at least when cold. This has worked for me for years.

Chet

[1930artdeco]

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The wire is still very flexible. It may have been replaced some time ago but it was nicely done if so. I have a spare condenser but I figure I had an old one if it was good I would just use it.

Mike