Old style distributor

Dkrahn said:
Thank u..something still aint right, as I seem to not getting spark. I changed from new style condenser on firewall to old style, slide in distributor hole. Is condenser making a connection inside somewhere by just sliding into hole on side of distributor?
Click to expand...


Did you install the screw and washer that connects the condenser
to the lower plate?
 

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Dkrahn said:
Thank u..something still aint right, as I seem to not getting spark. I changed from new style condenser on firewall to old style, slide in distributor hole. Is condenser making a connection inside somewhere by just sliding into hole on side of distributor?
Click to expand...

No --- the condenser needs to be attached to the lower plate with a screw inserted from the driver's side of the distributor. Did you attach that screw? A second screw inserted through the tab on the condenser on the pass side attaches the condenser to the body of the distributor. One screw on each side.

How did you time the engine when you reinstalled the distributor cam and the rotor?
 
What do you have now ? Old original type distributor or the new 'modern' upper
plate ?
We need a base to work from.
It makes no difference where the condenser is mounted, I think its a good idea to have the spare mounted at the coil but not connected until its needed to get you home.
If you want to use an original type then its going to be best I think for you to pull the distributor out and use your work bench.
Since you removed the cam you'll need to set the timing.

When installing/setting the points use a good point/cam grease. Just a dab will do ya and reset the points [ if new] every couple hundred miles until the points block and cam lobes get used to each other.

There can also be an issue with new condensers, I recently went thru 5 before I had a good one. Check them before installing them.
 
I have the old style distributor. I inserted the old style condenser in the distributor, locked it down on the passenger side, as well as used the screw and fiber washer on the drivers side. Was not getting any spark. I did the condenser test, and it says "condenser grounded". Coil tests good. I then went back to my original set up, connecting a new style condenser, from the firewall to the hole on the backside of the old style condenser. Set the timing and it starts up. I want to be able to use old condenser. I hear that the condenser needs to be "attached to the lower plate". I have put the screw and fiber washer on. Is there a wire or something that should connect from lower plate to that screw? Will be able to go look at it again in hour or so.
 
Bob C said:
Did you install the screw and washer that connects the condenser
to the lower plate?
Click to expand...
I put the screw and the washer on the back end of the condenser. I don't see where or how it makes a connection to the lower plate. That is why I am asking if there is some connection I need to put on that screw and washer.
 
Patrick L. said:
Have you looked at the Bratton diagram as shown in post #6 ?
Click to expand...
yes several times. It does not go into detail of how the distributor makes the connection to the lower plate. That is why I am asking. I installed the screw and fiber washer. There is nothing connected to that screw, so I am asking how it makes that connection - without me pulling the distributor apart I thought someone could answer that specific question.
 
The diagram does show everything. Taking out the distributor as previously mentioned should be done and makes this much easier/faster. It comes out in a couple minutes.
 
Dkrahn said:
I installed the screw and fiber washer. There is nothing connected to that screw,
Click to expand...

That screw should go through the "buss" bar on the lower plate and then into the condenser. With the condenser removed you should be able to see the "buss" bar by looking in the hole on the side of the distributor.
 
The fact that there is "nothing connected to that screw" and that he is getting a shorted condensor reading makes me wonder if that is the reason that the condensor was mounted on the firewall. I think Dkrahn needs to take the distributor apart and perhaps buy a new lower plate.
 
Dkrahn said:
Thank u..something still aint right, as I seem to not getting spark. I changed from new style condenser on firewall to old style, slide in distributor hole. Is condenser making a connection inside somewhere by just sliding into hole on side of distributor?
Click to expand...

You do need to use a screw inside the distributor body to attach the condenser to the lower plate. Without that electrical connection, you will probably get no spark.

There is a hole on the side of the distributor where the screw can be attached and fastened. It can be tricky to do - I use a screwdriver with an expanding blade to hold the screw onto the screwdriver long enough to get the screw started. The screw fastens into the threaded brass nipple on the end of the condenser.

Good luck !
Jim
 
nkaminar said:
The fact that there is "nothing connected to that screw" and that he is getting a shorted condensor reading makes me wonder if that is the reason that the condensor was mounted on the firewall. I think Dkrahn needs to take the distributor apart and perhaps buy a new lower plate.
Click to expand...

Think that lower plate is shorting out? Happens a lot to some guys it seams like.
 
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