Mallory Inspection at Bubbas..

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Got this one in from England this morning, thought it would make a good example as to what to look for with a old used Mallory for the Model A. These units really wake up the model A engine and allow some additional spark advance making the spark advance automatic.
First look the unit seems to "swap meet ready" pretty complete with cap rotor and points etc. All parts are loose inside ( making you think someone has taken apart and kinda back together), some of the point screws are missing and the electrical connections are installed wrong.... Cap has some damage on lower lip but will be ok. Removing breaker plate shows internal advance plate loose (just fell out) and a part or two missing. (will deal with that when all cleaned up). Next problem is unit is locked up and wont turn. Removing the lower retainer, some spray blaster and a little heat , carefully got shaft to turn and removed from housing. Looks pretty nasty but some glass beads and a 150 grit polishing wheel, i think it will live..... Housing shows some heavy vise grip/channel lock damage on lower end , more than likely due to being stuck in the engine. This seems to be a issue with the A engines as theres really no positive lube applied to the distributor lower end, on a Mallory i suggest installing with anti sieze and then lube from time to time. This unit will live to make a very nice unit and its off to Terrys (the master blaster) bench for a total spa and cleanup...

News at 11????

[updraught]

"Got this one in from England this morning",

I assume this is for a RHD car with a down draught carb. Can't use dual updraughts, no room.
Changing the manifold means no pivot for the manual spark advance.

Are those "trash can" condensors any good after all these years? From the 1950's that one?

[CarlG]

Jim,

I have a YA Type 11A (SN 41EMX5) and also one only with a Part # 2501105

Are either or both of these rebuildable to make a descent Model A distributor?

Thanks.

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Originally Posted by CarlG

Jim,

I have a YA Type 11A (SN 41EMX5) and also one only with a Part # 2501105

Are either or both of these rebuildable to make a descent Model A distributor?

Thanks.

Would have to see them both but more than likely they are build-able.....

[CarlG]

Great, I'll send them to you for evaluation. Thanks for your quick response.

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

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Originally Posted by updraught

"Got this one in from England this morning",

I assume this is for a RHD car with a down draught carb. Can't use dual updraughts, no room.
Changing the manifold means no pivot for the manual spark advance.

Are those "trash can" condensors any good after all these years? From the 1950's that one?

Even when cracked they usually are good units. I test them and seal the cracks with nail polish...

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Terry got it cleaned up, polished out and ready to lube and reassemble. Looks like a different piece for sure......?????

[J Eitzen]

Hi Jim, I have A Mallory YL 11B 2. Can you tell me what the application is for this distributor? If Model A would it make A good distributor? Would need to have the advance checked. Thanks