Distributor problem, if you have one please look.

[Mopar-Charger]

Distributor problem need help

The contact button in the top of the distributor cap is worn down? almost flush with the ring around it. How does this happen? Has it happened, or am i losing my mind?

I'll post pictures when my phone comes alive.

Car has been running weak for a while. The rotor has black flash marks on it. Do i need to replace the cap?

I took it off to take a look because when I lined the rotor up with the #1 plug wire with the #1 piston at TDC it almost sounded like a weak back fire out the pipes. Because I lined up the rotor to #1 plug there is no way it could be 180 off right?

 

[Photon440]

It would depend on whether #1 piston was at TDC on the power stroke or the exhaust stroke. But if it was running, you're not 180 out. I'd replace the cap.

 

[65RoadRacer]

It looks like it was a bad contact and just got worse. A bad contact will generate more heat and that looks like the end result. New cap and rotor a definite there, if the problem continues you might have other issues.

 

[ckessel]

Looking at the marks on your rotor, I suspect your wires are toast. Thats the same markings I would see on HEI rotors when the wires were done. There may be too much resistance in them and the current is looking for an easy path to unload which is usually through the rotor.

 

[Mopar-Charger]

Looking at the marks on your rotor, I suspect your wires are toast. Thats the same markings I would see on HEI rotors when the wires were done. There may be too much resistance in them and the current is looking for an easy path to unload which is usually through the rotor.

Alright. The wires are fairly new, about 4 months ago. 3000 miles? They're the MSD spitfire? If those go out quickly, which do you recommend?

I bought a cap last night, and swapped it in. While i was tuning it, kept spitting flames out the carb. Ran out of time, but i'll check the rotor position and TDC tonight.

 

[Cranky]

Do you have an Ohm meter? Check to see how much resistance the wires have. Some is ok and each maker has a max allowed.

 

[Mopar-Charger]

Yeah I can get my hands on one. I'll use that. What am I looking for though. How much of a resistance is allowed?

 

[Photon440]

Here's a resistance guide from MSD http://www.msdignition.com/page.aspx?id=3302

 

[markbob]

M-C

When at auto parts store..... Buy a new condenser.....
Prior to changing over to electronic ignition.... My 69 Coronet started acting up....
Wouldn't start and made me crazy.....
Replaced the condenser and it fired right up

Good luck.. C

MB

 

[Mopar-Charger]

Now the problem I am having is that it back fires out the Carb no matter where the timing is at. Could my coil be bad because of the restricting plugs? at this point I'm almost thinking about just buying a new distributor if I'm going to be replacing all the parts on this one.

 

[Hemirunner]

Is it installed correctly after your priming fiasco?

 

[Mopar-Charger]

Yep, Rotor hits #1 Plug at TDC. All plugs are in, wires connected in the right timing. I'm getting spark and fuel.

 

[eldubb440]

1 and 6 are tdc at the same time, one on the exhaust stroke while the other is on compression stroke....... but you say the engine runs, correct?...... if not, you maybe 180* out

also, when installing a distributor......... rather than tdc, i set the timing marks at 10-15* before tdc with rotor pointing at 1

 

[Mopar-Charger]

I haven't gotten it to run. keep spitting at me through the carb. I move the timing and it gets worse. I have it pointing at 1. So i need to flip it and see if there is any change?

 

[eldubb440]

yes........sounds like you got in on the wrong stroke...... point it at number 6 with timing mark 15 before tdc

 

[Mopar-Charger]

Alright, I'll go out and flip it now and give you an update on how it goes.

 

[eldubb440]

gonna fire right up

 

[Mopar-Charger]

Flipped it, adjusted the timing and she started fine. Spark sounds very very week. Struggles to keep running. I put the timing light on it, and set it to 12 initial. So New coil, new wires? How do i get that spark strong again? Has new plugs

 

[eldubb440]

how do you determine "weak" spark?...... you got it running, sounds like maybe its time to dial in the carb

 

[Cornpatch MO]

Did you change the condenser? Have you checked your point gap? Did you leave your ignition switch on and burn the points? have you checked to be sure your ballast resister is working properly and cutting down the voltage to the points after the engine runs for a little while? Do you have a shop manual for your car? ...All important ..................................MO