model t mallory distributor
 

I just found 3 n.o.s. mallory distributors with some old model t parts. Did mallory make distributors for model t's? What are they worth?

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

Typically Mallorys first unit for the early Fords was for the model A engine. Load up a couple picture of what you have and we will try to get you a appliction.
The Ts front cover never supported a distributor without a external gear drive of some kind...

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

I have acquired the model t mallory distributors, . They are n.o.s. parts

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

The front mount model t distributor is a great item, however the drive gears are pretty hard to find.

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

Thats a raised timer not a distributor. Look at the drive gear... is it a 45 degree bevel or a counter mesh helical? Pull the cap and I think youll just find a contactor (timers are a grounding timing device) that makes contact with the cap. Post some pics of the guts and gears... I wonder what the rheostat on the cap is for??? ws

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

Here are some more pics of mallory contactor. Looks like 45 degrees like you mentioned, There are several gears to make contactor complete. I amnot sure what rheostat is for maybe someone will let us know.

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

Thats pretty bizarre! The cap looks like a new day timer (plastic/bakelite with a spring loaded brush) yet theres a set of points (minus the condenser). Hmmm. That may be a dual purpose distributor / timer. The timer for running on the 32 VAC Magneto and the points for a single 6 VDC coil for easier starting.
I think that if the large brass contacts were used with a high voltage coil they wouldnt hold up. The dwell would also be immense, no?
I wonder if that rheostat sets the contact pressure on the rotor/contactor. Is there any evidence of a coil inside the large square part of the frame of the unit like maybe its a self contained magneto?
BUBBA's gonna need to pipe up on this one! Got the cam end gear to drive it? ws

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

I wonder he New Day timer just fit, and someone stuck it on there?

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

That's an original period correct e-timer. :)

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

I have a bag with several gears, iam going to try to fit it on engine today.

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

This looks like a distributor with the coil & likely the condenser built in to the box affair which is part of the casting. The cap is similir in design to the early Delco caps used on pre-teens Cadillac 4 cylinder cars. The rotor has a carbon brush that connects the center electrode to the respective plug wires as it turns. The rheostat looking thing is likely a spark intensifier of sorts. The dwell would not be altered by the wide cap contacts, the width assures contact throughout the spark advance movement - avoiding any degree of arking is important with this set up. The dwell is controlled by the point setting.


Below is a DELCO cap for a 1911 Cadillac; ( I need one & a rotor if anyone has anything like this)

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

I was able to put the gear that i had on the camshaft this morning and it fit well.

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

I bought a book years ago from Don.Lang. On after market parts for the model T Ford.
It was made up from old ads back then. If some one has that book. I'am sure that. That distributor would be in it. I let a guy use mine and that was the last I saw of it.
This book was about the same size. As the Model T Service Manual.

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

If I recall it's resistance coil and was used in conjunction with a Model T coil. Many clip on distributors were able to be setup with ether a normal coil or a Model T coil.

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

Iam going to hook up timer to a batttery today to see if it functions.

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

You will need a coil to check it out. The box on the front is the condenser.

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

FWIW... I wouldnt use that cam gear! It looks like die cast pot metal. Take it to a gear shop as a template and get a steel gear made. It looks too good to take a chance with! HONEST!! ws

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

So are you saying that I should have both gears remade out of steel?

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

Thanksyou for the advice. Iam going to try to make it function today,I will hook it up to a battery and coil to see if I can get the points to spark.

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

The points only carry line voltage, 6 or 12 volts. Did you mean, spark at the plugs? Make sure the points are clean and grease free and go for it!

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

henrys wonderful model t by clymer has a very similar setup on page 217. the "rheostst" on the cap is a ballast resistor...i have several old mallory coils with that feature..good luck with it walt...

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

"IF" you were gonna run that unit in earnest, I would invest in some steel or even cast iron gears. If those are indeed pot metal and disintegrate, youll spend lotsa $$$$$$ getting new ones made unless you know a "hobby gear hobber" (?). At least now you have a template for some duplicates. An extra few sets wouldnt cost much more after the first set comes off the machine. ws

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

The only question I have is the wire connected to the rheostat is rather thin. Should I some how connect the plug wire from coil to the wire coming from rheostat?

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

Hum, never even thought about that. The rheostat normally would be line voltage, not between the coil wire and rotor. I wonder if someone added that. If the condenser checks good and it were me, I think I would remove the rheostat and run without it. A normal coil wire is thicker to keep you from getting shocked by the higher amp/voltage it carries. The wire inside, without one in front of me to check, guessing off the top of my head is around 14 to 12 gauge wire, maybe smaller.

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

I have contacted Mallory Ignition in Ohio and they are researching the distributor and checking to see if there is any literature available. Each distributor cap has that wire hanging from it and I wonder if there was a special coil used for this situation?The wire is about 14 gauge.

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

I found a copy of the ad for this unit. It does use the Model T coils not a normal 6 volt coil.
The ad reads;
The four Ford coils are handled by a single set of breaker points and mechanical breaker insuring accurate firing.
Not a HIGH TENSION system.
Vibrating points on coils can be eliminated on battery equipped cars.
Operates from magneto or battery.
No change in standard for plan of wiring. (?, yes this is how it reads)
The ad does not show a wiring diagram just a view of the unit. Hope the people at Mallory can help.
MarkG

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

BINGO! Thats what I was kind of refering to as a distributor using points and condenser for battery ignition as well as being able to run on MAG with Ford coils. Maybe the rheostat controlled MAG voltage? ws

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

The rheostat when used on the Bosch or Atwater-Kent seems to only be used if using a Model T coil on battery. If you can get a copy of "The Model T Ford Owner" by Murray Fahnestock it might be of some help. While he does not cover this unit it might help glean some information.
MarkG

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

So what im thinking is to use a model t coil in series with the rheostat. Then apply battery to the points and condensor. When the points open and close this will short circuit to ground and open circuit to allow battery to flow. Then ground chassis of distributor to neg side of battery.

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

I hooked up a model t coil to timer and got no results. I hooked up timer to 6 volt coil and got spark out of points. I will have to do some more research to figure out how to use model t coils to make it operate.Iam not sure how I would hook up all 4 coils to make this work.

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

I still think each one of those contacts in the cap are timer "grounds" for individual coils. The dash switch is still gonna direct battery juice through the coils with the internal points controlling the dwell with a capacitor to help point longevity. Once switched over to the A.C. MAG point arcing will be negligable and the dwell performed (controlled??) by MAG magnet position.
Honestly? Id contact John Regan at Fun Projects that has a good grasp (electrically speaking) of the model T ignition system in situ.

http://www.funprojects.com/

He'll take the time to confer with you over the phone and has a keen interest in this stuff if even unfamiliar with the specific device. Spoke with him personally at a Model T club meeting last month in West bend Wi doing a coil/magneto seminar. Call him! His products are tops BTW! ws

Re: model t mallory distributor
 

Thank you verymuch for the info. You seem to know alot about this stuff. Thank you again.