Distributer Body Cracks

[John Stone]

Are there any tricks to check the bakelite/plastic distributer body for cracks? Scratches sometimes appear to be cracks.

I know of one instance where we were about 500 yards from the top of Monarch Pass in Colorado and a friends car started having problems. One of the guys noticed sparks jumping out of the body. It was replaced and the car ran fine. High altitude made the problem show up.

Thanks
John

 

[Ron/IA]

I have found the best way (for me anyway) is to look at the distributor body under total darkness. If there are any cracks, you will see sparks where they shouldn't be. Also, if there is any break down in coil wire insulation, or carbon tracks on plugs, etc; they will show up too.