The Ford Barn

Rudolph · 03-08-2022, 07:34 PM

I have got a few reproduction caps for the crab distributor and a couple bob drake rotors, the rotors collide with the terminals on the cap, made the mistake of trying to run one and busted the rotor and cap, non of them turn freely, tried 3 different distributors.

I understand they use to run basically "0" clearance? I have had to fire the rotors till I can turn the distributor

ford38v8 · 03-09-2022, 12:45 AM

Congratulations, Rudolph, you have discovered the wonderful world of repop garbage!

cas3 · 03-09-2022, 01:31 AM

Sorry, I cant give you a spec, but "zero" would certainly not be correct. spark intensify s with a gap. The beauty of the crab dizzy is you can set it up off the motor to know its all correct before you mount it. While it would be a challenge to measure with the cap on, you could at least know that it turns with out crashing. Model A fords call for a .025 gap between rotor and cap terminals, however on those you can remove the cover and see exactly whats happening and measure it.

WBrown · 03-10-2022, 08:02 AM

Do you have the correct rotors? I changed from rabbit ear distributor cap to crab and it required the corresponding rotor.

BUBBAS IGNITION · 03-18-2022, 11:26 AM

Brand of rotor needs to match the brand of distributort cap , often mismatched crashes ...

Captain Zero · 03-20-2022, 09:32 AM

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Howdy, Do you have a 42-44 cap. That would be the one with external terminals and a one piece design. If you do then you need a 42-44 rotor. the later 46-48 cap was a two piece design. The terminals are located under the cover cap. I think this type was made to prevent water fouling when driving in wet conditions. The rotors are not interchangeable between the early and late.

03-08-2022, 07:34 PM	#1
Rudolph Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: North island Newzealand. Posts: 272	Distributor cap to rotor clearance I have got a few reproduction caps for the crab distributor and a couple bob drake rotors, the rotors collide with the terminals on the cap, made the mistake of trying to run one and busted the rotor and cap, non of them turn freely, tried 3 different distributors. I understand they use to run basically "0" clearance? I have had to fire the rotors till I can turn the distributor

03-09-2022, 12:45 AM	#2
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,646	Re: Distributor cap to rotor clearance Congratulations, Rudolph, you have discovered the wonderful world of repop garbage! __________________ Alan

03-09-2022, 01:31 AM	#3
cas3 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: sw minnesota Posts: 4,578	Re: Distributor cap to rotor clearance Sorry, I cant give you a spec, but "zero" would certainly not be correct. spark intensify s with a gap. The beauty of the crab dizzy is you can set it up off the motor to know its all correct before you mount it. While it would be a challenge to measure with the cap on, you could at least know that it turns with out crashing. Model A fords call for a .025 gap between rotor and cap terminals, however on those you can remove the cover and see exactly whats happening and measure it.

03-10-2022, 08:02 AM	#4
WBrown Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Skiatook, Ok Posts: 26	Re: Distributor cap to rotor clearance Do you have the correct rotors? I changed from rabbit ear distributor cap to crab and it required the corresponding rotor. __________________ Aim low--achieve your goals.

03-18-2022, 11:26 AM	#5
BUBBAS IGNITION Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SPEEDWAY INDIANA Posts: 4,148	Re: Distributor cap to rotor clearance Brand of rotor needs to match the brand of distributort cap , often mismatched crashes ... __________________ If it Makes Spark, we do it !!!! www.bubbasignition.com [email protected]

03-20-2022, 09:32 AM	#6
Captain Zero Junior Member Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 17	Re: Distributor cap to rotor clearance Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Howdy, Do you have a 42-44 cap. That would be the one with external terminals and a one piece design. If you do then you need a 42-44 rotor. the later 46-48 cap was a two piece design. The terminals are located under the cover cap. I think this type was made to prevent water fouling when driving in wet conditions. The rotors are not interchangeable between the early and late.