The Ford Barn

JoeMarine · 09-18-2013, 11:45 AM

For all those who helped me wire my Model A ~ many thanks.
I re-wired the entire car and turned the key and it lit off like a champ.
I was a smiling happy camper! I was getting set to depart the cul-de-sac for our first drive.
Took my lovely bride to the gas station to get fuel and when I pulled away the car decided to give off a large "back fire", and died.
I could not get it started.
Looked under the hood and noticed the new rotor cap I installed was "bent" at the end where it hits the rotor body. . .surprised me. I left the car, ran home and got the old rotor cap. . .ran back, installed it and was able to get it started. That said, it started but I didn't have the power to drive it in any gear. . .until I opened the point a little. I did limp home. I also noticed my radiator "mercury" over heat indicator rose to about the half way point and water was dumping out my overflow tube. . .any hints on what I did wrong????

Tom Wesenberg · 09-18-2013, 12:16 PM

When the rotor tip hit the cap contact it most likely moved the distributor cam retarded, and this will give you loss of power and overheating. Reset the timing and you should be good to go.

BTW, I've found that you must check the rotor to cap contacts gap before starting the car. Some caps don't fit the distributor tight like they should, and if they move sideways, the contacts might hit the rotor tip.

Tom Endy · 09-18-2013, 12:22 PM

Reproduction parts are seldom made to Henry's specifications. Whenever you install a new distributor top and rotor it is best to check them on the base of a distributor. There should be a nominal .030" gap between the rotor tip and each of the four posts. Most often you have to file to fit.

Tom Endy

JoeMarine · 09-18-2013, 12:38 PM

Thank you Sir. . .I'll work that!
Can I ask you another question.
I bought 140z of 'grease' for my leakless water pump. . .is that the same grease I use for all the fittings on the A? I bought the grease from Bratton along with the leakless water pump.

marc hildebrant · 09-18-2013, 03:25 PM

I use the same type of grease for all my Model A fittings. I use a red type of grease that is a "high temp" type. I believe that the high temp refers to the use on a disc brake.

The actual type of grease is a matter of opinion, but most any grease today is good for the Model A.

Marc

JoeMarine · 09-19-2013, 05:18 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Thanks Marc,
Semper Fidelis
Joe Marine

09-18-2013, 11:45 AM	#1
JoeMarine Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Stafford, VA Posts: 115	Electrical help For all those who helped me wire my Model A ~ many thanks. I re-wired the entire car and turned the key and it lit off like a champ. I was a smiling happy camper! I was getting set to depart the cul-de-sac for our first drive. Took my lovely bride to the gas station to get fuel and when I pulled away the car decided to give off a large "back fire", and died. I could not get it started. Looked under the hood and noticed the new rotor cap I installed was "bent" at the end where it hits the rotor body. . .surprised me. I left the car, ran home and got the old rotor cap. . .ran back, installed it and was able to get it started. That said, it started but I didn't have the power to drive it in any gear. . .until I opened the point a little. I did limp home. I also noticed my radiator "mercury" over heat indicator rose to about the half way point and water was dumping out my overflow tube. . .any hints on what I did wrong????

09-18-2013, 12:16 PM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Electrical help When the rotor tip hit the cap contact it most likely moved the distributor cam retarded, and this will give you loss of power and overheating. Reset the timing and you should be good to go. BTW, I've found that you must check the rotor to cap contacts gap before starting the car. Some caps don't fit the distributor tight like they should, and if they move sideways, the contacts might hit the rotor tip.

09-18-2013, 12:22 PM	#3
Tom Endy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,131	Re: Electrical help Reproduction parts are seldom made to Henry's specifications. Whenever you install a new distributor top and rotor it is best to check them on the base of a distributor. There should be a nominal .030" gap between the rotor tip and each of the four posts. Most often you have to file to fit. Tom Endy

09-18-2013, 12:38 PM	#4
JoeMarine Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Stafford, VA Posts: 115	Re: Electrical help Thank you Sir. . .I'll work that! Can I ask you another question. I bought 140z of 'grease' for my leakless water pump. . .is that the same grease I use for all the fittings on the A? I bought the grease from Bratton along with the leakless water pump.

09-18-2013, 03:25 PM	#5
marc hildebrant Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 1,128	Re: Electrical help I use the same type of grease for all my Model A fittings. I use a red type of grease that is a "high temp" type. I believe that the high temp refers to the use on a disc brake. The actual type of grease is a matter of opinion, but most any grease today is good for the Model A. Marc

09-19-2013, 05:18 AM	#6
JoeMarine Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Stafford, VA Posts: 115	Re: Electrical help Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks Marc, Semper Fidelis Joe Marine