The Ford Barn

Bill Goddard · 11-10-2011, 08:35 PM

I have been reading about distributor problems and checking for cracks in distrib hsg's and rotors but no mention of how to do the check. I don't think a simple continuity check between terminals on hsg would detect a potential high voltage jump in operation. Can you use a paint wiped over the plastic in hopes of filling a crack similar to Zyglow? Are some cracks so fine that they can't be seen with naked eye but will still cause a breakdown?

pat in Santa Cruz · 11-10-2011, 10:02 PM

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run the engine in a dark room and observe the distributor and plugs. You will see the leaks on the outside quite obviously. For inner leaks, I use a cutaway distributor cap, available from most suppliers. I think Nu Rex makes it. You can look inside and see the arcing sparks and any tracers if the body is failed. Failures within the car from one terminal to another can be seen by loosening the spark leads about 1/4 inch from the terminals and observing the timing sequence of the sparks as they fire. The rhythm should be consistent and even. Continuity tests work well on stable failures, but on intermittent failures, the odds are against your finding it with a simple test meter. ( a sub section of Murphys Law)

11-10-2011, 08:35 PM	#1
Bill Goddard Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Shrewsbury,Pa Posts: 516	Test for Cracked Distrib housing and Rotor?? I have been reading about distributor problems and checking for cracks in distrib hsg's and rotors but no mention of how to do the check. I don't think a simple continuity check between terminals on hsg would detect a potential high voltage jump in operation. Can you use a paint wiped over the plastic in hopes of filling a crack similar to Zyglow? Are some cracks so fine that they can't be seen with naked eye but will still cause a breakdown?

11-10-2011, 10:02 PM	#2
pat in Santa Cruz Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: santa cruz, calif Posts: 2,011	Re: Test for Cracked Distrib housing and Rotor?? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) run the engine in a dark room and observe the distributor and plugs. You will see the leaks on the outside quite obviously. For inner leaks, I use a cutaway distributor cap, available from most suppliers. I think Nu Rex makes it. You can look inside and see the arcing sparks and any tracers if the body is failed. Failures within the car from one terminal to another can be seen by loosening the spark leads about 1/4 inch from the terminals and observing the timing sequence of the sparks as they fire. The rhythm should be consistent and even. Continuity tests work well on stable failures, but on intermittent failures, the odds are against your finding it with a simple test meter. ( a sub section of Murphys Law)