distributor heat shield???

atch

Senior Member
I came across this photo and am wondering if this is a heat shield to help keep the distributor cooler; or at least not so hot?

My 1930 doesn't have any such shield and I've never seen another. Is this a common item? I'm still pretty new to Model A's. I'm not planning to install such a shield but just trying to learn.

Was this homemade or commercially available?

I am aware that the distributor cap and plug wires are not original. Also it looks like there might be an additional fuel valve.
 

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Very common aftermarket item. I’ve got two sitting on a shelf right now. I always take them out because they block the distributor set screw, but back in the days of unreliable condensers they might have been useful.
 
I have one sitting on the self somewhere. I took it off because I didn't like the way it fit under the two head nuts (#3 & 6) on that side.
 
Came out in December 1929 for use in hot climates only, part
number A-12280. See page 398 of the Service Bulletins.
 
I am a believer that engine pans play an important function of directing air to flow across the engine. This exchange of air helps to minimize excessive heat buildup especially in the area around the exhaust manifold.
 
Thanks guys. My education is
FAR from complete but gets better every time I ask a question.

b-t-w; my winter plans include installing engine pans and oil filter. Like many Model A's the engine pans are missing on mine.
 
After my last condenser failure and fumbling to change it (modern dist.) I mounted it on the firewall with the wire lead connected to the +side of the coil and the case grounded through a short piece of 12 ga wire soldered to the case and connected to ground. Not pretty but effective and easy to change next time.
 
I am a believer that engine pans play an important function of directing air to flow across the engine. This exchange of air helps to minimize excessive heat buildup especially in the area around the exhaust manifold.


I will second this.

Enjoy
 
The Wretched Roadster came to me with the condenser mounted on the firewall, and engine pans. Per the prior owner it had last been refurbished circa 1959, when he was a teenager.
 
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