how to remove coil 1941 merc

[tubman]

Originally Posted by Kube

Tubman, The type with the strap that goes to the coil body is a service replacement part and not concourse correct for any year. While easier to R&R, again, they are not correct.
The type with the loop that the timing cover bolt goes through is proper.

And, actually there are very good replacement condensers available for those that are willing to spend a few bucks.
Joe Hunt Magnetos sells them. About $30 each. Wonderful quality. Not correct in appearance but as you of all folks know, not difficult to disguise.

With all due respect, that's not what I have heard from several sources. I am starting to wonder whether I should be pursuing this.

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by Hoop

Big Surprise! You will have to excuse me for expressing my disappointment, but I genuinely like old cars ... especially flatheads.

Always good to hear from you Hoop.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by Kube

You'll need to remove the bolt at the top of the distributor housing (right side) to the timing gear cover. That bolt serves to fasten the timing gear cover AND the condenser.
I have found the easiest way is to use a 1/4" drive ratchet, a 6'" extension and a dedicated 1/2" swivel.

Kube & Tubman

As I yield to your expertise, does the twice post diagram of the distributor-coil breakdown NOT show the condenser ground strap looping around and being "grounded" via the coil right side coil screw via 10/32 x 1-3/4 Round Head Machine Screw? Again, over the last month or so I have had the distributor and coil on and off our 39 Merc "several" times and that is how mine was. I have never seen on grounded via the distributor bolt like you describe AND the way I see the posted diagram it doesn't look like that is where the ground strap is "grounded???? Open mind awaits.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by tubman

With all due respect, that's not what I have heard from several sources. I am starting to wonder whether I should be pursuing this.

Tubman, Which part have you heard different opinions about? Which condenser is concourse correct? Or, the quality of Hunt's condensers?

[tubman]

"Kube" - As I have said, it has been a long time since I was deeply involved with pre-war engines (I had an 8BA in my '36), so I only know what others tell me. That is that the condensers available from the usual sources are a "crap shoot" at best and the hobby could use a reliable unit. This is the first I have heard of the "Hunt's Condensers". As such, I have no idea of their quality or whether they are "concourse correct" or not. The prototypes I have made use original Ford script cases with updated innards. Because of my experience with my "trash can" units, I have no doubt my updated units will be dead stone reliable. Whether there is a viable market out there is to be determined. I was planning on selling these units on a straight out or exchange basis. The exchange price would be about on a par with the one you quoted for a Hunt unit.

"rockfla" - I have to defer to "Kube" on this, but it looks like the unit shown in the diagram is a later replacement. I don't have an example of one of those, but it looks like it would be much easier to replace than a correct original. I have no interest in making a replacement for a non-original part. I find it curious that what looks like an official Ford diagram would show anything other than a strictly original unit.

[rockfla]

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"rockfla" - I have to defer to "Kube" on this, but it looks like the unit shown in the diagram is a later replacement. I don't have an example of one of those, but it looks like it would be much easier to replace than a correct original. I have no interest in making a replacement for a non-original part. I find it curious that what looks like an official Ford diagram would show anything other than a strictly original unit.[/QUOTE]
Tubman
As a "young gun" the diagram is as the 39 Merc I am working with SO "WAS" my frame of reference and source of seemingly "false bravado". Would love to see pictures of "Just how" the "Original" condenser is "supposed" to be!!!!

[grouchyandugly]

I "hot-wired" her to move into her shelter, as she was now stuck out on the grass/ground. successful enough to get her moved and protected. have ordered a new coil, so all is just in standby at this point in time. thanks for all the help, etc. stay safe

[tubman]

"rockfla" - If you look at the pictures of the two condensers "petehoovie" posted, I think you can see that each is grounded in a completely different way. The kind in the lower picture grounds through the distributor mounting bolt, while the one in the upper picture (a service replacement) grounds through the coil mounting screw. I am sure someone on here has a detailed picture of the original mounted, but I don't have one. (My expertise is condensers, not pre-war distributors.)

The fact that what appears to be a factory diagram shows a service replacement part only adds to the confusion. I'm sure there is someone on here that can explain it.

[marko39]

My 39 reference book shows distributor with condenser that grounds on Dist. bolt.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by tubman

"Kube" - As I have said, it has been a long time since I was deeply involved with pre-war engines (I had an 8BA in my '36), so I only know what others tell me. That is that the condensers available from the usual sources are a "crap shoot" at best and the hobby could use a reliable unit. This is the first I have heard of the "Hunt's Condensers". As such, I have no idea of their quality or whether they are "concourse correct" or not. The prototypes I have made use original Ford script cases with updated innards. Because of my experience with my "trash can" units, I have no doubt my updated units will be dead stone reliable. Whether there is a viable market out there is to be determined. I was planning on selling these units on a straight out or exchange basis. The exchange price would be about on a par with the one you quoted for a Hunt unit.

"rockfla" - I have to defer to "Kube" on this, but it looks like the unit shown in the diagram is a later replacement. I don't have an example of one of those, but it looks like it would be much easier to replace than a correct original. I have no interest in making a replacement for a non-original part. I find it curious that what looks like an official Ford diagram would show anything other than a strictly original unit.

Tubman, I can assure you that the type of condenser that utilizes the distributor / timing gear cover is the concourse correct piece from '37 through '41.
The Hunt's condensers are not concourse correct but can be made to appear as such - I've done this numerous times. It's (The Hunt part) VERY easy to install within a '32 - '36 coil as it is hidden.
On the '37 - '41 a person has to get a bit more creative and of course have a correct donor condenser.
The Hunt's are available in two distinct micro-farad specifications. They are extremely reliable.

[petehoovie]

What's the story on this distributor/coil combination?

[marko39]

After doing some reading, it appears Ford used two different coils and condensers during this period.The 78-12024 coil used the condenser that grounded to the Dist. bolt. The 81a coil used the strap to coil screw. The diagram from the ford book posted shows the 81a coil which is flatter than the 78 coil which is all I have ever seen.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by petehoovie

What's the story on this distributor/coil combination?

The distributor is like all the other ones 37 - 41.
These coils were made for the Detroit Transit Authority. However, while researching these, it became clear quite quickly that there were far more produced than (most likely) the DTA would desire or have a need for.
These were NEVER installed on the assembly line to any Ford passenger vehicle nor trucks.
They were placed in to service inventory.
Also, a close look at the condenser dedicated solely to this coil has the strap soldered higher than the one depicted in an earlier post. To be clear, this condenser fits this coil ONLY.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by marko39

After doing some reading, it appears Ford used two different coils and condensers during this period.The 78-12024 coil used the condenser that grounded to the Dist. bolt. The 81a coil used the strap to coil screw. The diagram from the ford book posted shows the 81a coil which is flatter than the 78 coil which is all I have ever seen.

And, if you'd desire to do even more research, you'd find the "strap" type condensers were never installed upon the assembly line.
Please reference PeteH's post and subsequent response.

[petehoovie]

Interesting that Ford would show/use this limited edition coil/condenser assembly (built for DTA and "NEVER" installed on the assembly line) in an official parts drawing as opposed to the coil/condenser assembly which was installed on the assembly line...Hmmm

[Kube]

Originally Posted by petehoovie

Interesting that Ford would show/use this limited edition coil/condenser assembly (built for DTA and "NEVER" installed on the assembly line) in an official parts drawing as opposed to the coil/condenser assembly which was installed on the assembly line...Hmmm

Many novices to this hobby confuse service parts for factory installed parts. A common and quite excusable mistake.