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Old 02-18-2018, 03:20 PM   #1
doug.nichols
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Default What kind of distributor is this?
Can anyone tell me what kind of distributor this is? (see attached picture files) It is on my recently-purchased 1929 Model A roadster.
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File Type: jpg Distributer 1.jpg (50.7 KB, 237 views)
File Type: jpg Distributer 2.jpg (53.6 KB, 203 views)
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Old 02-18-2018, 03:46 PM   #2
Y-Blockhead
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
Looks like a dual point Mallory.
Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 02-18-2018 at 03:48 PM. Reason: Spellin'
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Old 02-18-2018, 03:56 PM   #3
doug.nichols
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
Thanks. I am considering going back to original or possible a "modern" platform. Any advice for a newbee?
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Old 02-18-2018, 04:25 PM   #4
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
Quote:
Originally Posted by doug.nichols View Post
Thanks. I am considering going back to original or possible a "modern" platform. Any advice for a newbee?
Read this thread: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=239432
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Old 02-18-2018, 04:48 PM   #5
doug.nichols
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
Thanks Ray.
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Old 02-18-2018, 04:50 PM   #6
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doug.nichols View Post
Thanks. I am considering going back to original or possible a "modern" platform. Any advice for a newbee?
I bought an original rebuilt distributor from:

DKC Model A distributors

989-305-7009

[email protected]


For me it works very well. I got the original style points.

Randy
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Old 02-18-2018, 05:40 PM   #7
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
I would consider keeping it if it has centrifugal advance. The original spark advance is a wild guess at best. Just my opinion for what it's worth.

John
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Old 02-18-2018, 05:51 PM   #8
doug.nichols
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
thanks John
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Old 02-18-2018, 08:17 PM   #9
doug.nichols
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
How does one tell if it has centrifugal advance?
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Old 02-18-2018, 09:31 PM   #10
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
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How does one tell if it has centrifugal advance?
Your dual point Mallory will have centrifugal advance. With the engine stopped you should be able to grab the rotor and turn it through 30° or so of rotation, and it will spring back when released.

"Centrifugal advance" advances the ignition timing in relation to engine speed, eliminating the need to manually advance the spark lever in a Model A.

They put fly weights on the distributor shaft and when it rotates they pull away from the center shaft.

Here is a picture of the weights in an Autolite distributor..
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Old 02-18-2018, 09:38 PM   #11
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
Very informative. Thanks.
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Old 02-18-2018, 10:06 PM   #12
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
My coupe came with one of the Mallorys, but I put it back to original, ‘cuz that’s how I learned to drive ‘em. With the spark advance I can hear what the engine is trying to do and adjust it accordingly. I’d rather do the thinking than let the distributor make decisions for me.
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Old 02-18-2018, 10:47 PM   #13
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
Interesting approach. Not sure I would understand what the engine was telling me.

D
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Old 02-19-2018, 10:11 AM   #14
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
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Interesting approach. Not sure I would understand what the engine was telling me.

D
Doug,
You have to LISTEN & lurn their LANGUAGE---LOL
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Old 02-19-2018, 10:13 PM   #15
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
Has anyone had experience with the FSI Zipper electronic ignition system?

http://www.fsignitions.com/FSI_ZIPPER.html
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Old 02-20-2018, 02:43 AM   #16
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
If you want to modernize it you can convert it to electronic ignition with a pertonix conversion kit.
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Old 02-20-2018, 01:24 PM   #17
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Default Re: What kind of distributor is this?
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Has anyone had experience with the FSI Zipper electronic ignition system?

http://www.fsignitions.com/FSI_ZIPPER.html
I have one of these in my pickup. Works great.
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