Clear Distributor Cap
- Thread starter rivcokid
- Start date
Gene F
Well-known member
When I was a kid, I had a 1972 MonteCarlo. Those were all the rage. Then I talked with a guy at work about 40 yrs old. Gary was quite knowledgable about cars, and used parts. He told me "don't get one. they draw dampness for some reason, and your car eventually will not start". Sure it's cool, but only put it on for show. Reliability. I asked around, and heard the same story from other people.
I am not sure you are talking about the clear or cut away, at any rate I think both are cool and could be trouble shooting assistance. When it comes to dampness it doesn't matter as they can be changed back in 15 seconds. A new solid cap is less than $5.00 - I'm going to cut one away for the heck of it and have fun.
Thanks, John
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
I agree with John, and about 20 years ago I made my own clear cap by using a piece of thick Plexiglass. It makes a good diagnostic tool.
Merc Cruzer
Well-known member
All you need to do is scan an original.
Keith True
Well-known member
I remember those clear distributer caps for modern cars,well they were modern in the late 60's when I saw them.They also sold red-clear plug wires.When the car was running the plug wires looked like modern LED light strings.I had a 59 Valiant in the early 90's that still had them on it.Fun to watch at night.
Clem Clement
Well-known member
I have some for sale. $10 bucks plus postage.
Werner
Well-known member
Well, you can use it to diagnose when the capacitor starts to go bad.
alexiskai
Well-known member
Nu-Rex supplies a cutaway cap with their timing kit and recommends using a timing light strobe to observe the rotor action:
I have one but I haven't had time to set it up yet to see how useful it is.
Werner
Well-known member
Good evening at all.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find anyone who sells a transparent manifold cover. Creating a file for 3-D part printing is too expansiv. So I now tried to cast it by myself from epoxy resin.
I made the mold from two-component silicone rubber for third dentures from the original lid.
Unfortunately, the first attempt did not work. I had filled too less casting resin, too less vent holes on the upside mold and used an unsuitable wax for separation.
No. # 2 has been cast in the mean time and must now cure in the mold. I will report.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find anyone who sells a transparent manifold cover. Creating a file for 3-D part printing is too expansiv. So I now tried to cast it by myself from epoxy resin.
I made the mold from two-component silicone rubber for third dentures from the original lid.
Unfortunately, the first attempt did not work. I had filled too less casting resin, too less vent holes on the upside mold and used an unsuitable wax for separation.
No. # 2 has been cast in the mean time and must now cure in the mold. I will report.
Attachments
Werner
Well-known member
Danke für Dein Lob! -
The second attempt is successful, not very good but good; there are still some tiny air bubbles visible.
The next step is to insert an electric current carbon inside with some stepped brass sleeves.
I will report back.
Attachments
Werner
Well-known member
Good morning!
In the meantime, my clear distributor cap is largely finished.
Patiently, the current lead through had to be tricky. From 4 short brass tubes I soldered the gradation for the sliding carbon contact and the ignition cable.
Sensitive was the filing of the central contact carbon alienated from a 'Walton' horn in a small square and round pin.
This is more watchmaker work than for a long stroke cast iron engine mechanic!
In the meantime, my clear distributor cap is largely finished.
Patiently, the current lead through had to be tricky. From 4 short brass tubes I soldered the gradation for the sliding carbon contact and the ignition cable.
Sensitive was the filing of the central contact carbon alienated from a 'Walton' horn in a small square and round pin.
This is more watchmaker work than for a long stroke cast iron engine mechanic!
Attachments
Ivan in southeast va.
Senior Member
I admire your persistent determination! Now, can you make a hundred of them and sell them for 5 dollars? Just kidding, great work!
TomInCologne
Senior Member
Werner
Well-known member
Hi',
in the meantime, I have tested the transparent cover several times. Great disappointment was that the spark jumps are very mild and barely visible.
Joy was to recognize by it, that the condenser and the plugs resistors are in order.
On a trial basis, I increased the electrode gap considerably on one spark plug and this could be seen well on the distributor contact.
In short: The glass cover is not a toy, because with a little experience quite suitable for engine diagnosis.
Cologne; don't understand your shortquestion.
in the meantime, I have tested the transparent cover several times. Great disappointment was that the spark jumps are very mild and barely visible.
Joy was to recognize by it, that the condenser and the plugs resistors are in order.
On a trial basis, I increased the electrode gap considerably on one spark plug and this could be seen well on the distributor contact.
In short: The glass cover is not a toy, because with a little experience quite suitable for engine diagnosis.
Cologne; don't understand your shortquestion.
Attachments
I have a cut away side cover and was also disappointed in spark size - much more obvious at night.
John