Distributor Body Electrodes

[RRW]

Question:
Is there a preference in using a distributor body with brass electrodes over a body with steel electrodes?
I have been using one with brass since 1963. No problem.

I 'discovered' a brand new body with steel electrodes still packaged which I forgot I even had.
Just curious as I must have purchased the body w/steel electrodes as a spare.

 

[California Travieso]

Try it out and see what happens.

David Serrano

 

[Big hammer]

I think the ones with steel are for later cars,trucks

 

[PC/SR]

The steel would be more prone to rust, especially if they sit for awhile.

 

[jw hash]

the originals dist, body electrodes were steel. and some have lasted 90years,
if it is not broke don`t fix it.

 

[old31]

Mine are steel, but I always thought that brass would be a better conductor for the spark.

 

[Purdy Swoft]

I have used both and can see no difference in the way the engine runs . Brass doesn't rust . . The gap between the rotor tip and the cap electrodes is more important . The distance in the gaps can vary in some of the new distributor cap bodies . Ford recommended a conservative gap of twenty five thousands . More gap , to a point will increase the intensity of the spark . I usually set mine at thirty five thousands .

 

[redmodelt]

Back when the cars were driven every day, steel might have been fine as it would have self cleaned. Today the cars sit for extended lengths of time which can give the steel time to rust. We suggest brass because of that. While nothing is 100% fool proof, brass should have a better chance of not fowling.