Distributor wire size?

[JayJay]

Does anyone know what the size is of the wire from the lower plate to the points is? My guess is either 14 or 16 gauge, stranded. I need to order some. I'm aware it should be "test lead wire" with the flexible silicone insulation and stranded.

Thanks, all.

 

[nkaminar]

Jay Jay, or anyone else that wants to keep the original style wire, https://restorationstuff.com/ has modern wire that has been covered with repo cloth covering like the original.

Snyders also sells authentic looking wire. It is 14 gauge. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/product.htm?pid=984164&cat=41801

 

[Flathead]

You need special wire that has very fine strands so it won't break from continued flexing.

 

[mcgarrett]

I rebuild distributors when I can find good cores. This is the perfect wire to use to connect the upper to lower plate. It is fine strand and has the flexibility you need.

https://www.amazon.com/BNTECHGO-Sil...-Stranded/dp/B00TG1TRL2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[cadillac512]

Thanks for the link. That wire would make excellent test leads as well.

 

[nkaminar]

I use a lot of multi-strand flexible silicone wire for different purposes. I bought a box of 6 spools of 16 gauge wire, 10 feet each, from Femerry. These come tinned which does two things: It makes it easier to solder and keeps it from corroding in wet environments. 6 different colors and comes with colored cable ties and colored heat shrink tubing.

https://www.fermerry.com/collection...p-wire-6-colors-10ft-each-16awg-electric-wire

 

[JayJay]

I rebuild distributors when I can find good cores. This is the perfect wire to use to connect the upper to lower plate. It is fine strand and has the flexibility you need.

https://www.amazon.com/BNTECHGO-Sil...-Stranded/dp/B00TG1TRL2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks, McG. That was one of the options I was considering, I just needed the size, and 16 ga seems to be the number. 5 feet at ~4"/distributor is likely more distributors than I will rebuild in my remaining lifetime!

 

[JayJay]

Jay Jay, or anyone else that wants to keep the original style wire, https://restorationstuff.com/ has modern wire that has been covered with repo cloth covering like the original.

Snyders also sells authentic looking wire. It is 14 gauge. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/product.htm?pid=984164&cat=41801

Thanks, NK. I have a bunch of "modern" hookup wire in various gauges but most of it is, I suspect, PVC insulation and hence not terribly flexible. Same with the cloth covered stuff I have, it's not very flexible.

Either are fine for longer runs, but not for the crowded interior of a distributor.

 

[nkaminar]

The Femerry wire is super flexible and silicone covered. It is also tinned. But 60 feet is more than you need for a distributor. See Post #6. They also make other gauge wire.

 

[Bob Bidonde]

This should help you.

 

[katy]

16 gauge is plenty big enough.