The Ford Barn

Bruce of MN · 06-23-2010, 08:50 AM

How much of the threads of the cable fitting should be showing while screwed into the distributor? When I screwed mine in to a rebuilt distributor, it left about 5/16". It seemed a lot at the time, but I accepted it. If that is too much, I'll have to try again and see if there is paint on the female threads to remove.

Model A Speedster · 06-23-2010, 09:32 AM

It is not really important how much thread is showing at the distributor end of the switch cable. A common misconception is that it should be "tight". Screw the cable in far enough so that the inner part (the electrical connection) makes good electrical contact with the lower plate of the distributor. If it's too "tight" there is a possibility of a short between the electrical cable and the outer cable. The spring on the end of the switch cable will hold the connection. It's probably a good idea to make sure that the threads on the end of the cable and in the distributor aren't fouled with paint or crud. I hope that makes sense...

Bruce of MN · 06-23-2010, 11:58 AM

Thanks. What prompted the question was that my test voltmeter wasn't showing voltage at the points. I have since tested power at the coil and found that I hadn't tightened the terminal nuts. After fixing that, I see the full 6V (nom.) at the points.

Model A Speedster · 06-23-2010, 08:18 PM

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It sounds like you are good to go. Keep 'em running!

06-23-2010, 08:50 AM	#1
Bruce of MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: VA Posts: 1,410	Armored Cable @ Distributor How much of the threads of the cable fitting should be showing while screwed into the distributor? When I screwed mine in to a rebuilt distributor, it left about 5/16". It seemed a lot at the time, but I accepted it. If that is too much, I'll have to try again and see if there is paint on the female threads to remove.

06-23-2010, 09:32 AM	#2
Model A Speedster Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mansfield, Ohio Posts: 91	Re: Armored Cable @ Distributor It is not really important how much thread is showing at the distributor end of the switch cable. A common misconception is that it should be "tight". Screw the cable in far enough so that the inner part (the electrical connection) makes good electrical contact with the lower plate of the distributor. If it's too "tight" there is a possibility of a short between the electrical cable and the outer cable. The spring on the end of the switch cable will hold the connection. It's probably a good idea to make sure that the threads on the end of the cable and in the distributor aren't fouled with paint or crud. I hope that makes sense... __________________ Any car can drip oil, but for a real puddle, it takes a Model A.

06-23-2010, 11:58 AM	#3
Bruce of MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: VA Posts: 1,410	Re: Armored Cable @ Distributor Thanks. What prompted the question was that my test voltmeter wasn't showing voltage at the points. I have since tested power at the coil and found that I hadn't tightened the terminal nuts. After fixing that, I see the full 6V (nom.) at the points.

06-23-2010, 08:18 PM	#4
Model A Speedster Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mansfield, Ohio Posts: 91	Re: Armored Cable @ Distributor Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) It sounds like you are good to go. Keep 'em running! __________________ Any car can drip oil, but for a real puddle, it takes a Model A.