Update: Intermittent Backfire and Smoke

T

TheFargoA

Junior Member
Hello again,
A while back I posted a question about how to resolve intermittent backfiring, sputtering, black smoke, etc. Thank you for your suggestions. I resolved the issue. First, the problem was partially resultant of me initially replacing the "original" points and plates in the distributor with "modern" package. Like many old-timers said, that was a mistake. There is too much crap stuffed in the distributor to keep it right with vibrations, movement, etc. So, I pulled that out and replaced it with the original OEM workings. To keep the points flat and true, I had to widen the point block holder hole so that the point block may be rotated about 5 degrees more toward the distributor body. That helped issues with points burning out that I was having before I did the modern upgrade. I also replaced my Jerry-rigged jumper wire between the coil and distributor with the original popout cable. Additionally, I replaced all ignition and other wiring so that everything is new, clean contacts, and correct. The Model A runs like a champ now and only needs some minor adjustments. Thank you for your advise; your comments helped me targe the problem(s).
The Fargo A.
 
You have another thread going on your overheating issue resolved by installing a thermostat. I have reservations about that, maybe some of the issues causing your drivability contributed to, but was not all of your overheating situation. I am happy you have everything rectified and that your A is running great. These examples should serve as a model for others to repair the basics (wiring, tune settings, etc) back to proper specs to get the car running optimum which will ultimately save money in the end....enjoy your ride and thanks for following up on your progress
Link to the other thread
http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=189705
 
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Thanks Fargo for your recap where you solved your problem with backfire. I also had to make a hole bigger in the top plate of the distributor to get the points to set correctly. I think some of the aftermarket plates need some adjustment. Have fun with you A.
 
Yes, I also had to widen the point block holes so that I could align the point block with the points more precisely. It is my theory that the points aligned at an angle reduce the time that the condenser has to discharge, and, therefore, there maybe back feeding occurring through the coil (or something like that). Regardles, the problem is fixed and the A runs consistently well. I also so suspected intermittent arcing in the distributor body, so on the plates I cut out as much steel as possible from the lower plate around the positive circuit contacts and added RTV rubber around both the lower and upper plate wire connections. Some old-timers told me that as the distribute body heats up, it expands and possible becomes close enough to the contacts to cause an arc. I also ended up advancing the cam 1 degree more than specs after watching the 4 sparks in the distributor body (engine running with distributor cap cut into one third so you can see the sparks occurring) appearing too retarded. So far so good. Fargo A
 
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