Electrical help

JoeMarine

JoeMarine

Senior Member
For all those who helped me wire my Model A ~ many thanks.
I re-wired the entire car and turned the key and it lit off like a champ.
I was a smiling happy camper! I was getting set to depart the cul-de-sac for our first drive.
Took my lovely bride to the gas station to get fuel and when I pulled away the car decided to give off a large "back fire", and died.
I could not get it started.
Looked under the hood and noticed the new rotor cap I installed was "bent" at the end where it hits the rotor body. . .surprised me. I left the car, ran home and got the old rotor cap. . .ran back, installed it and was able to get it started. That said, it started but I didn't have the power to drive it in any gear. . .until I opened the point a little. I did limp home. I also noticed my radiator "mercury" over heat indicator rose to about the half way point and water was dumping out my overflow tube. . .any hints on what I did wrong????
 
When the rotor tip hit the cap contact it most likely moved the distributor cam retarded, and this will give you loss of power and overheating. Reset the timing and you should be good to go.

BTW, I've found that you must check the rotor to cap contacts gap before starting the car. Some caps don't fit the distributor tight like they should, and if they move sideways, the contacts might hit the rotor tip.
 
Reproduction parts are seldom made to Henry's specifications. Whenever you install a new distributor top and rotor it is best to check them on the base of a distributor. There should be a nominal .030" gap between the rotor tip and each of the four posts. Most often you have to file to fit.

Tom Endy
 
Thank you Sir. . .I'll work that!
Can I ask you another question.
I bought 140z of 'grease' for my leakless water pump. . .is that the same grease I use for all the fittings on the A? I bought the grease from Bratton along with the leakless water pump.
 
I use the same type of grease for all my Model A fittings. I use a red type of grease that is a "high temp" type. I believe that the high temp refers to the use on a disc brake.

The actual type of grease is a matter of opinion, but most any grease today is good for the Model A.

Marc
 
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