The Ford Barn

marc hildebrant · 07-05-2011, 08:57 AM

Group,

The number 4 spark plug (closest to the rear) gets it's spark from the distributor using the original style flat metal wires.

While the 1,2,and 3 wires connect fine to the distributor, the number 4 is not long enough to have the wire "bottom out" on the distributor post...i.e. it needs to be longer.

Was this common for the Model A ? Is one wire longer than the others ?

It runs O.K., but it seems that the wire should be gripping the post better.

Marc

Tom Wesenberg · 07-05-2011, 09:04 AM

I've seen the same thing. I wonder if the plugs sold today are a bit shorter, or if the bronze wires are a bit shorter? I use an original cap and leads and the #4 is none too long, but as I recall it just barely made it to the bottom of the U.

Patrick L. · 07-05-2011, 09:08 AM

Huumm, I thought they were all the same length and you just bent them to fit.. Maybe some re-pro's are too short.. Can you swap one from another cylinder ,like 2 or 3, and make it fit..

1930artdeco · 07-05-2011, 02:09 PM

Howabout the barbed wire that they guy in texas uses?

Mike

RcT · 07-05-2011, 02:13 PM

I had the same problem with the brass repos... I believe either Snyder's or Bratton's sells longer "B" connectors. They look exactly the same, just about 3/8" longer.

Tom Wesenberg · 07-06-2011, 05:43 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by RcT

I had the same problem with the brass repos... I believe either Snyder's or Bratton's sells longer "B" connectors. They look exactly the same, just about 3/8" longer.

Be sure to check the color of the connectors. Brass is more yellow and is NOT what you want to buy. Be sure to get the bronze straps, which have more spring to them and are more redish in color. Just use your fingers to put a couple of gentle bends into each strap.

John/CT · 07-06-2011, 05:36 PM

Champion W18 and W16Y plugs are taller than Motorcraft plugs resulting in a shorter distance to the distributor terminals. The repro wires seem to cover the distance with the proper spring tension against the terminals when I use the Champion plugs.

John

CarlG · 07-08-2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

... Just use your fingers to put a couple of gentle bends into each strap.

Be sure to do this with the engine running so that you get it right the first time

NOT!

Steve Wastler · 07-08-2011, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlG

Be sure to do this with the engine running so that you get it right the first time

NOT!

Not to highjack the thread, but I once met a man into hit and miss engines, when he threw out his hand for a shake, I was unaware he was holding the mag wire in the other hand. Dropped me to my knees when it fired. never figured out how he could hold the wire and transfer the hit to me. Watched him do this to a few people and it never effected him.

MrTube · 07-08-2011, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Wastler

Not to highjack the thread, but I once met a man into hit and miss engines, when he threw out his hand for a shake, I was unaware he was holding the mag wire in the other hand. Dropped me to my knees when it fired. never figured out how he could hold the wire and transfer the hit to me. Watched him do this to a few people and it never effected him.

Have to assume he was far better insulated from the vehicle than you. Perhaps he had very thick shoes on? With enough insulation \ isolation you won't feel anything. However if he was holding the wire in the other hand it would have effected him 100% as much as it did you when he grabbed your hand.

Have to guess you were either some how completing the circuit via the ground under you or you were touching the vehicle.

BAD game to play with strangers IMO. Could do instant damage to a pacemaker or who knows what to someone with a weak heart. Not too bright.

Steve Wastler · 07-08-2011, 05:33 PM

This was probably 25 years ago, good young heart, I wasn't touching anything but the ground and his hand. Don't remember the shoes he was wearing, I most likely had on lug soled work boots, his engine was running and he didn't even twitch. He had on short sleeves and nothing in or connected to the hand I shook. I remember clearly, as is it was so funny to all the guys around...

07-05-2011, 08:57 AM	#1
marc hildebrant Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 1,128	Short Spark Plug Connection ? Group, The number 4 spark plug (closest to the rear) gets it's spark from the distributor using the original style flat metal wires. While the 1,2,and 3 wires connect fine to the distributor, the number 4 is not long enough to have the wire "bottom out" on the distributor post...i.e. it needs to be longer. Was this common for the Model A ? Is one wire longer than the others ? It runs O.K., but it seems that the wire should be gripping the post better. Marc

07-05-2011, 09:04 AM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Short Spark Plug Connection ? I've seen the same thing. I wonder if the plugs sold today are a bit shorter, or if the bronze wires are a bit shorter? I use an original cap and leads and the #4 is none too long, but as I recall it just barely made it to the bottom of the U.

07-05-2011, 09:08 AM	#3
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Short Spark Plug Connection ? Huumm, I thought they were all the same length and you just bent them to fit.. Maybe some re-pro's are too short.. Can you swap one from another cylinder ,like 2 or 3, and make it fit..

07-05-2011, 02:13 PM	#5
RcT Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 451	Re: Short Spark Plug Connection ? I had the same problem with the brass repos... I believe either Snyder's or Bratton's sells longer "B" connectors. They look exactly the same, just about 3/8" longer.

07-06-2011, 05:36 PM	#7
John/CT Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Connecticut Posts: 50	Re: Short Spark Plug Connection ? Champion W18 and W16Y plugs are taller than Motorcraft plugs resulting in a shorter distance to the distributor terminals. The repro wires seem to cover the distance with the proper spring tension against the terminals when I use the Champion plugs. John

07-05-2011, 02:09 PM	#4
1930artdeco Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lynden, Wa Posts: 3,550	Re: Short Spark Plug Connection ? Howabout the barbed wire that they guy in texas uses? Mike __________________ 1930 TownSedan (Briggs) 1957 Country Sedan

07-08-2011, 05:33 PM	#11
Steve Wastler Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,987	Re: Short Spark Plug Connection ? This was probably 25 years ago, good young heart, I wasn't touching anything but the ground and his hand. Don't remember the shoes he was wearing, I most likely had on lug soled work boots, his engine was running and he didn't even twitch. He had on short sleeves and nothing in or connected to the hand I shook. I remember clearly, as is it was so funny to all the guys around...