American Bosch Model T448 Number 88410

[1955Buick]

Need some help with a Model T distributor on a 1926 Speedster I just acquired.

Yes I know it should have coil packs but just trying to get it running first. The engine turns over fine and I am getting spark from the 6 volt coil to the cap but not from the cap to the spark plug. The issue is the wrong size cap or rotor. I believe the cap is too tall and the rotor is not making contact inside the cap. See attached picture for reference.


Need to find a place I can order a new cap, rotor and points.

Any suggestions?

The distributor is an American Bosch Compensating Battery System
Model T448 Number 88410

Anyone have any manuals or history on this distributor or can reference a modern day part number?

Any help would be appreciated. And yes all my other Model T are coil packs. Just trying to get this running first to see if i have any other issues with the car.

Thanks
Bob

[stevests]

Definitely the incorrect cap ! There's a fellow who advertises in Hemming's and on the MTFCA site occasionally that has NOS distributor parts otherwise you just can't buy new parts for those.

[rosenkranswa]

I have the same unit on my "26 Touring car, it is a period correct replacement part actually and is talked about in Fahnestock's book. I'm not aware of any modern replacements for cap or rotor but that cap is definitely a modern replacement that won't work. I've had to get a bit creative with mine to keep it operating.

[29spcoupe]

I have a complete Bosch set-up with the cam gear for a T. The unit looks good and the cap and rotor look very good. Don't know condition of it electrically. Let me know if you are interested. John

[1955Buick]

Originally Posted by 29spcoupe

I have a complete Bosch set-up with the cam gear for a T. The unit looks good and the cap and rotor look very good. Don't know condition of it electrically. Let me know if you are interested. John

John

Yes I would be interested in it. Can you send me some pictures to [email protected] or post some pictures here?

What do you want for it?

Thanks
Bob

[29spcoupe]

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will take pictures tomorrow. John

[29spcoupe]

Pictures of Bosch distributor, PM sent. John

[1955Buick]

John

The distributor I have is a different mounting system. Its a plate that replaces a larger section than what you show. Take a look at the attached pictures. The rotor and cap look correct but not 100% sure.

If anyone else on the forum has seen this kind of mounting system please let me know.

Two pictures attached one with the distributor mounted in the engine and one with it out exposing the hole.



Thanks
Bob

[1955Buick]

Trying to upload images but getting an error...it is asking for an http:// instead of a lotion on my CPU

[1955Buick]

figured out how to load the photos....sorry if they are sideways

Thanks
Bob

[1955Buick]

Photos need to turn 90% to the right and are looking down at the engine. Notice the oil cap on the right side for a point of reference.

Thanks
Bob

[29spcoupe]

Bob, you have what is called a 'front plate distributor'. The entire timing cover is replaced by the distributor. They are not uncommon, but when you find one, they are expensive. The one that I have just replaces the timer. The parts except for the housing are interchangeable.

[1955Buick]

Good to know they are replaceable. Any idea of when it would have been manufactured?

Anyone have a cap for sale?

Thanks
Bob Fields
630-975-7902