1938 Ford truck distributor

[RBaker]

Hi,
Been working on getting this old engine running for a couple of weeks....engine turns over great....about 90lbs of pressure in each cylinder.

My problem is this weird distributor.....I removed it, cleaned the points, new condenser, set points to .15 etc...put it back on and can get spark on the right side points when I turn the engine clockwise with a wrench on the flywheel.....but the left side points will not spark unless I turn the engine counter clockwise.

When I say right side I mean when I'm looking at the front of the engine.

Is it possible when I replaced the distributor I put it in completely opposite of how it came out?....I did not mark the distributor when I removed it so I guess I messed up the timing?

I did not turn the motor over with the distributor removed.

This is an early 38 with the 21 stud motor....Eggshell or helmet distributor from what I have found online.

This is how it looked when I got it....it has been cleaned up since then.

 

[RBaker]

I guess one of my questions is....are both points suppose to spark when they open when the engine is turned over?

 

[Hoop]

This is a great question! It's like trying to figure out if the light in the refrigerator goes out when you close the door ...

First, orientation. The "right-side" of the engine is the is on the right when you are sitting at the steering wheel ... in the USA, the passenger side.

The engine rotates clockwise when viewed from the front of the engine.

The "left-side" points in the distributor break and fire the plugs. The right-side points close the circuit (or open the circuit depending on which circuit you're talking about) and don't fire anything ... turning the engine backwards just confuses me so we'll ignore that, at least for now.

Also, ignore what you are seeing in the distributor. Attach the spark plugs and ground them to the block. Turn the engine clockwise and check to see if the plugs fire.

The distributor is designed to go back onto the engine correctly even if you've spun the engine. The tab on the back is offset to match the offset in the slot. You can TRY to mount it 180 degrees out, BUT you're going to break something. Just be careful that it all lines up.

Don't give up on the original distributor. It's a good unit.

Post back your findings. (Don't get your nose caught in the refrigerator door ... )

 

[RBaker]

Thank you Hoop!

Yeah when I start playing with something new it always get me curious as to how the darn thing works.....I agree forget about why I turned the engine over backwards..haha.

Sitting in the driver seat yes those left side points do spark.....so the no spark on the right points is normal.

I admit I was confused but I swear things will look better for me sooner or later.....just glad I found a forum where some folks can help me.

This is a pic of the old truck I'm working on.....I have removed everything but the cab....the engine and trans seem to be in pretty good shape..I'm at the point where I need to get it running....just rebuilt the starter.

 

[Sid the Maineiac]

Good luck with your project! It looks pretty much complete and that is a real plus!

 

[01aford]

Nice looking stock brown coil.

 

[RBaker]

Good luck with your project! It looks pretty much complete and that is a real plus!

Thanks....only thing missing is the tailgate.

I also have a question about the trans.....would it be a 4 speed? It has a switch as if it would have a 2 speed rear.

The number on the housing is 51-7006.....other side is a 78C stamp.

 

[Tinker]

Yep 4 speed truck transmission. Ask me how I know

 

[RBaker]

Yep 4 speed truck transmission. Ask me how I know

Oh yeah awesome!! You are way ahead of me on progress! Thanks for the info on the trans.

 

[Tinker]

Thanks and I'm a long way from finishing. A lot of body work needs to be done. Farm truck.

The 4 speed is still only 1:1 in 4th gear. You'll probably only use 1st (granny gear) for pulling stumps out. I start off in 2nd. Also the rear is probably 4:11 gears as well.

Your truck, as mentioned, looks pretty complete. Have fun.

 

[Hoop]

Some folks have had less than complimentary things to say about the looks of the "barrel-nosed" '38 and 39 PU's. BUT, with good paint ... maybe even some two-tone work ... the truck turns beautiful. And, it has a decent mechanical base.

Shoulda kept my '39.

 

[RBaker]

Thanks and I'm a long way from finishing. A lot of body work needs to be done. Farm truck.

The 4 speed is still only 1:1 in 4th gear. You'll probably only use 1st (granny gear) for pulling stumps out. I start off in 2nd. Also the rear is probably 4:11 gears as well.

Your truck, as mentioned, looks pretty complete. Have fun.

Thanks....if I have any more issues I know who to ask since you are well on your way with yours.
I have not found much online about these trucks at all.....you guys have told me more in 30 minutes than I found online in a month.

Some folks have had less than complimentary things to say about the looks of the "barrel-nosed" '38 and 39 PU's. BUT, with good paint ... maybe even some two-tone work ... the truck turns beautiful. And, it has a decent mechanical base.

Shoulda kept my '39.

I have a neighbor who is about 75 he said the 38 & 39 trucks were the ugliest Ford ever made....I laughed and said maybe thats why the farmer tucked it away in the corner of his barn for 40 years.

He sent me to a guys house that is suppose to be the "flathead king" around here but in a nutshell he had never seen this type of particular flathead & distributor. The modern day mechanics I know had no idea about it either.

I only wish it had a 24 stud motor.....from what I read online the early 38 models came with this 21 stud.

Back out to the garage....thanks for the help!

 

[Tinker]

Yes my understanding on the early 38' 21 bolts are that Ford was using up the last of the 37' blocks before switching over. If your going to keep it stock it's a great engine. 99% of people have no idea whether its a 21 or a 24. They just smile.

It is hard to find hop-up heads but, IMO, trucks look best with the stock heads and some green engine paint.

I'll help if I can. Still learning myself.

 

[Hoop]

"I only wish it had a 24 stud motor.....from what I read online the early 38 models came with this 21 stud. "

Noooooooooooooooo. The 21 stud is great. Mostly used in '37, it holds a special spot in the development of the flathead. I really like '37s especially because they have the unique 21 stud with insert bearings. I actually have a freshly rebuilt '37 21 stud out in the shop and rub my hand over it each time I walk by it.

I'm glad you showed up here ... we'll get you straightened out.

Forget (that's not what the Soprano's say) the 24 stud. Embrace your 21 and its distributor. You are doing OK.

 

[RBaker]

Wow...you guys know your stuff! I have never been one to dismantle history and the old truck has made it this far with the original motor so that 21 stud is a keeper.

I just read so much online about how great the 24 stud engines are so I figured they were better.....but I also read like Hoop said that the last 21 studs had major improvements.

I actually have a good feeling about this engine.....everyone was surprised at the strong compression it has.....luckily the old man filled the crankcase with diesel fuel as it sat in the barn it was also turned over by hand every 3 or 4 years so the motor never stuck.

I checked the trans oil yesterday and it was completely full even after sitting 40+ years.

This was a Kansas farm truck and without a doubt someone loved it back in the day.

 

[Hoop]

" ... so that 21 stud is a keeper."

Attaboy! Many of us are way into preservation. I would rather see your truck with the original engine in it than ... say, a later 59AB which may be an improved engine. but lacks the authenticity of the 21 stud.

Wait and see. You will get more compliments from knowledgeable flathead guys for keeping it the way it is. You'll be glad you did.

 

[Mike in AZ]

hmmm....if he's a "flathead king" and has never seen a distributor like yours, you might want to think about his title again....that distributor was used from '32-'41 with a few modifications thru those years, but basically the same....otherwise, have fun with your truck....looks pretty solid....Mike

 

[ken ct]

hmmm....if he's a "flathead king" and has never seen a distributor like yours, you might want to think about his title again....that distributor was used from '32-'41 with a few modifications thru those years, but basically the same....otherwise, have fun with your truck....looks pretty solid....Mike

I would agree with your statement on the so called king. MOO. ken ct

 

[RBaker]

hmmm....if he's a "flathead king" and has never seen a distributor like yours, you might want to think about his title again....that distributor was used from '32-'41 with a few modifications thru those years, but basically the same....otherwise, have fun with your truck....looks pretty solid....Mike

Thanks Mike.....it is fun to tinker with.

The guy was actually born in 1938 same year as my truck.....if it were not for his health and age he said he would love to have it.

He has two ford flatheads....one is a V8 car with the crab style distributor the other is a later model truck with the Flathead 6 cylinder. He had some good info and advice but not like I found here on this website.

A lot of people around here have old fords but he is the only one that retained the flathead engines......everyone else replaced the flatheads with modern engines.

I'm just happy I found out yesterday that my distributor is working properly....will work on it a little more this morning before we get the 100 degree heat.

 

[RBaker]

Good news to report......I took the advice of Hoop and put half of the distributor back on then inserted one plug wire.

Got my new starter on and connected the 6 volt battery.....turns over real nice!

I cleaned the little copper terminals inside the distributor cap and the terminals on the rotor to a shiny finish....hoop said use a spark pug grounded to the block but I figured what the heck I will just hold it in my hand.

Connected a wire to the coil then tapped the starter while holding the bare plug wire in my hand.....the pain I felt was not a "bad pain" but the pain of happiness.

The old truck was telling me....."Hey Stupid, I'm still living now let go of that wire dummy".

Also got my new fuel pump on...carb is cleaned and ready to go.

Need to order some new plug wires now and get some new plugs...getting close to starting it up.

Few pics but so humid here the camera fogged up.