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Old 03-31-2018, 11:47 PM   #1
Jim/GA
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Default Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

I cut an old cap to make one of these for testing.

But I remember seeing someone selling them, I think.

Does anyone know of a source?

TIA.
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Old 04-01-2018, 12:28 AM   #2
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

Mike's sold the clear ones for a while until so many people complained about the small cracks by the center terminal. I bought one, but they weren't as good as the ones sold many years ago. They should still work OK to see the spark though.
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Old 04-01-2018, 07:44 AM   #3
Jim/GA
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Default Re: Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

Thanks, Tom.

The one I am thinking about looks like it started out as a conventional flat black disc, but you took a saw and cut it twice, once on each side of the places where the clips snap on to hold the cap tight.

This provides a strip to hold the wire from the coil in place over the top of the rotor, but leaves both sides of that open to see the inner workings. Just temporary, for diagnostics.

I made one long ago for myself. Now trying to find a source to be able to advise others (if they don't want to make one, like I did).
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Old 04-01-2018, 08:39 AM   #4
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Default Re: Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

Is that sold by nu-Rex?
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Old 04-01-2018, 09:07 AM   #5
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Default Re: Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

Either plastic or cut-away, they are a good learning tool for kids as well as for diagnostics.

Don't remember where I got my plastic cap several years ago but think it was probably Snyders who I use almost exclusively for my Model A parts. No problems with using that cap yet.

Glen
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Old 04-01-2018, 10:03 AM   #6
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Default Re: Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

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Many years ago the see through plastic type distributor caps were made by Gaslight and of course their dealers could buy them wholesale. I am not aware of any source for a cut down cap which could also be used for diagnosis.
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Old 04-01-2018, 10:07 AM   #7
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Default Re: Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

I saw one on youtube a week or so back and for the life of me, I cannot find it.

It showed a guy trying to see if all the terminals on the inside of the cap were firing. It looked homemade though. He modified the top cap and cut a couple of windows in it with the center being supported by a web across the cap at the hold down tabs.

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Old 04-01-2018, 10:26 AM   #8
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Default Re: Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

This came with the nu-Rex kit.
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Old 04-01-2018, 12:29 PM   #9
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Default Re: Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

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Originally Posted by Davew View Post
This came with the nu-Rex kit.

Thanks!

Now I know where to look.
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Old 04-01-2018, 12:35 PM   #10
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Default Re: Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

Thank you for all the help you've given me.
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Old 04-01-2018, 01:10 PM   #11
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Default Re: Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

I have used a clear cap for 10+ years. Folks love watching the spark. I used it the other day to confirm one plug was sick. I have several available. PM me
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Old 04-01-2018, 01:13 PM   #12
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Default Re: Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

I've got one from nu-Rex
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Old 04-01-2018, 06:59 PM   #13
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Default Re: Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

Made my own out of a regular cap. Dremel tool wirh cutoff wheel. kenp
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Old 04-02-2018, 11:21 AM   #14
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Default Re: Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

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Originally Posted by kenparker View Post
Made my own out of a regular cap. Dremel tool wirh cutoff wheel. kenp
was gonna say - bandsaw or hack saw or coping saw would make one in about a minute...
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Old 04-02-2018, 03:10 PM   #15
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Default Re: Cut down distributor cap for diagnostics

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Originally Posted by burner31 View Post
I've got one from nu-Rex
Ditto
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