Well I have committed the mortal sin of not driving my 1936 Ford Sedan for 22 months, including 2 Winters. I have great voltage in my 6 volt battery, juice to the coil but nothing to the plugs. It turns over like a champ. I am certain the points are corroded. As you all know, the distributor is in a VERY tight squeeze for servicing...especially with my large "meathooks." My question is: Is there any shortcuts like contact cleaner I could spray to loosen the points up (while rotating) ?.... Or am I chasin a dead horse here ? Sure hate to pull the radiator and all that to get to the distributor. Suggestions please !
No spark
- Thread starter dbrock
- Start date
Walt Dupont--Me.
Well-known member
It will never be right until you pull the dist and send it to Babba 1-888-809-3835 Walt
trainguy
Well-known member
How did it run 22 months ago,Your point are most likly corroded,you must remove the dist. to work on it.The dist only goes on one way due to the offset slot on the drive.To make it easier note the position of the rotor before removal.Use a point file to clean up the points.You might want to check the gap.As Walt said if you want to do it right send the dist to Bubbas to set it up properly.
transbytip
Senior Member
to pull dist.I found it best to remove gen. dist.will come out thru the nole that gen.made.be sure to disconnect batt.or tape wire to gen. as it is hot.
Best to remove the dist. and check it out on the work bench. I have removed distributers off 36 fords from underneath but you have to jack front of car up and remove the splash pan at the bottom of the grille. I find this easier than removing the generator and fan. Sometimes the springs on the distributer contacts break if left sitting around for a long time or contacts become corroded. Fit a new set of contacts and set them at .16 thou. Dont forget a SMALL amount of high temp grease lube wiped on the cam. See how you go. Regards, Kevin.
Spray some starting fluid down into the carb as someone cranks and operates the gas . I have had this problem many times on cars that sat for a long time. The points get a little film on them and you get a very weak spark that won't ignite the gas but fires the either. Once running the problem in most cases disappears. G.M.
wamnram
Senior Member
For what it is worth, you do not need to remove the radiator, fan, or the generator to get the distributor out. Remove the caps from both sides of the distributor. You MUST remove the coil from the top also. Spin the distributor 90 degrees towards the passenger side and then rotate it 90 degrees counter-clockwise (looking from the front at engine). Now you can pass it under the Passenger side water pump, above the horn, and remove it up and out from the passenger side. If you want it makes it easier if you also remove the spark plug wires and conduit from the passenger side.
I should have mentioned that I did send the whole distributor in 3 years ago to "Babba" for all new condensor/coil/points/rotor etc. The problem stems from the storage conditions here in N.W. Iowa...with extreme temp/humidity swings etc....and if you don't use it, ya lose it !
I will definately try a combo from all your suggestions to git-er-done. T.B.C.... and then see to it the car gets run at least every few weeks.
Thanks to all for helping out...this is a great site !!!!
I will definately try a combo from all your suggestions to git-er-done. T.B.C.... and then see to it the car gets run at least every few weeks.
Thanks to all for helping out...this is a great site !!!!