Upper Distributor Plate

R

rfitzpatrick

Well-known member
Can/Should the upper distributor plate be modified to where re-installation can be done by a person of my age (83)? If so, what can I do? Yes, it was dillicut coming out, was a clue
TKS Guys
 
What specifically was difficult? Rotating the plate to align the tabs? Disconnecting the pigtail?
 
IHaving rebuilt several dis. units with the new top plate I have run into a few units that the tabs that are too long to let all three tabs fall into the top of the body.This has shown up on the '31 bodies more often. A little work with a file on the tabs works wonders.
 
rfitzpatrick said:
alexiskai said:
What specifically was difficult? Rotating the plate to align the tabs?

Rotation of the plate -- that third tab just won't get there. Can they be filed down and will that make them useless?
TKS
Click to expand...


Be cautious about filing down the tabs because the plate needs to rotate concentrically around the center of the distributor shaft. If the rotation is eccentric, the point gap will vary as you adjust the timing.

The solution might be as simple as a tiny (tiny!) smear of axle grease on the tabs to help things move along.
Click to expand...
 
OK, filing the tabs -- good. Now with the upper plate in position, does adjust the spark at any time bring the plate tabs across/at the three opening that got it in there to began with? Thats a mightily power spring under the plate too

Forgot to add: This plate an an electronic FSI, no point involved
 
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My upper plate was loose and I had to spread the tabs a bit with a flat end punch to take out the slop. The opposite problem.
 
I have found some upper plates with the tabs being square and sharp. Others that are rounded and smooth,these work nice and smooth.
 
I'll admit I don't know anything about FSI ignition. But for anyone using an original style upper plate -or- a modern style upper plate, keep in mind that the 3 tabs on the plate also provide an electrical ground in addition to the ground provided by the spring under the plate. Just be careful what you do (lubrication, grinding) so you don't compromise the ground of the plate.
 
The upper plate's concentricity is controlled by the casting at the shaft, not by the tabs. See the attached slide.
 

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  • Distributor Upper Plate Fit In Casting 155kb.jpg
    Distributor Upper Plate Fit In Casting 155kb.jpg
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  • Distributor Upper Plate Fit .jpg
    Distributor Upper Plate Fit .jpg
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Feels like every week Bob unveils new diagrams. Bob, if you ever want to put these up on a website, I would do the work of creating the site.
 
FSI sells an Ignition Module mounted on the standard Model A upper plate, eliminating the lower plate as well as a Condenser. Everything is normal stock appearance, you still must use spark-advance. I'm having issues with the condensers and wish to eliminate. Just having problems re-assembling that upper plate.
TKS
 
Finally, I got it installed!! Amazing what a cup of ice cream allows one to accomplish!!
That's Vanilla Ice Cream!
Tks Guys!
 
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