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!