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03-28-2021, 07:02 PM | #1 |
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Distributor dilemma
Spring is here and I went to start the car. I always clean the points to begin with. Next I shorted the points with a screw driver and got a bright blue 1/2” spark from the high voltage wire. Put everything back together then got in the car, turned on the gas and hit the starter. Starter worked fine but ammeter didn’t move. Put in new plugs and still nothing. Installed my spare distributor and car started in a split-second. I want to get the original distributor working. Where do I begin?
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03-28-2021, 07:09 PM | #2 |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
Inspect the pigtail under the top plate.
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03-28-2021, 07:30 PM | #3 |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
Ian - If it ran last year on the old distributor but not this year, and you haven't done anything else to the car, chances are your timing should be OK.
Before you start disassembling the distributor too invasively, it's worth trying a little detective work with an ohmmeter to help you focus your inspection. Remove the condenser, then test resistance from the place on the bottom plate that the condenser pushes against (bottom of the hole the condenser goes in) to the point arm. Should show continuity, if not then remove the top plate (as Ray suggests) and check for broken wire. If shows continuity, rotate the shaft so the points are open, then check for continuity between the bottom plate and the top plate. Should show no continuity, if it does then check to see if the wear portion on the points is so worn that the arm is contacting the cam. If so, replace points. If that's good but you're still showing continuity, check to see if the pigtail may be shorting against the top plate where it attaches to the bottom of the points pivot shaft. If everything else checks out, and it still won't run, try replacing the condenser - maybe swap out the known good one from your spare distributor. JayJay
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03-28-2021, 09:16 PM | #4 | |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
Quote:
Seriously I've done stuff like this.
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03-28-2021, 11:56 PM | #5 |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
When in doubt, replace the condenser. Words to live by.
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03-29-2021, 03:59 AM | #6 |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
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John in out of lockdown today Suffolk County England . |
04-04-2021, 06:34 PM | #7 |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
The folks who offered suggestions to my dilemma deserve to know the outcome. Yesterday I read the thread “ no spark” and there it was. Would you believe I left the rotor out?
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04-04-2021, 06:57 PM | #8 |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
I think I have done that before and I rebuild them so don't feel too bad!
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04-04-2021, 08:38 PM | #9 |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
Been there done that lol We both got them going! I hope you enjoyed your drive
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04-04-2021, 09:23 PM | #10 |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
Sometimes I walk into a room and forgot why I did......
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04-04-2021, 09:45 PM | #11 |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
Even if you left the rotor out, the ammeter should still move as the points open and close.
W. Michael |
04-04-2021, 10:15 PM | #12 |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
Yeah, one time I forgot to reconnect the high voltage wire from the coil to the distributor. It took me a few minutes to think back with "well, what have I done since it was running last" to figure that one out (I had disconnected it to get into the terminal box on the firewall). Self-inflicted wound.
JayJay
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JayJay San Francisco Bay Area ------------------------ 1930 Murray Town Sedan 1931 Briggs S/W Town Sedan |
04-04-2021, 11:47 PM | #13 |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
I hope you didn't clean your points with an emory board. That will mess them up in a hurry.
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04-05-2021, 12:23 AM | #14 |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
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04-05-2021, 05:11 AM | #15 | |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
Quote:
Yup, that was me! (Forehead slapped with hand). I was “confident” that I put everything back correctly, but somehow got distracted and left the rotor out. An hour or so later, I noticed a round piece of black plastic on the workbench. The rotor..... Ugh! Not one of my finest moments. Live and learn. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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04-05-2021, 10:25 PM | #16 | |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
Quote:
Since the OP mentioned that the ammeter did not moved, I assumed he meant it normally did move. Now, of course I should never assume anything, but from the what he wrote, I ASSUMED it was wired to the "right" side. I would be interested to know if it runs when he puts the first distributor back in, WITH the rotor button; and interested to know whether the ammeter moves now when he starts it. W. Michael Last edited by w.michael; 04-05-2021 at 10:29 PM. Reason: to correct an error |
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04-05-2021, 11:22 PM | #17 |
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Re: Distributor dilemma
My point exactly. When troubleshooting a car we know nothing about you can assume nothing.
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