FSI Electronic Ignition Centrifugal Advance Distributor

[1929]

I purchased my FS Ignition about a year ago, had numerous problems that Mel tried to address. New coil, new Module, New wires, different plugs, even sent the Distributor back to get checked out, still the problems existed. One day I told my engine rebuilder about it, he said send me the distributor to adjust the problem, If I can remember exactly, I think he said its a forklift distributor, with too much advance for the Model A engine. He sent it back to me stating he limit the total ADVANCE in the Distributor. The car now runs perfect after almost a year of frustrations, even the Stromberg 97 is happy now. Go figure, the Engine Rebuilder had the answer all this time.

[1931 flamingo]

And your engine builder is ??? For others with similar problem(s).
Paul in CT

[updraught]

What were the symptoms?

[1929]

Originally Posted by updraught

What were the symptoms?

Ran rough, minor pops or poor idle.

[Don S]

I have a FSI Zipper distributor that I purchased only 2 months ago that is complete. I would like to sell it,it did not suit my engine. If you are interested please pm me, I will let it go at a reasonable price. Thanks

[Benson]

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Originally Posted by 1929

I purchased my FS Ignition about a year ago, had numerous problems that Mel tried to address. New coil, new Module, New wires, different plugs, even sent the Distributor back to get checked out, still the problems existed. One day I told my engine rebuilder about it, he said send me the distributor to adjust the problem, If I can remember exactly, I think he said its a forklift distributor, with too much advance for the Model A engine. He sent it back to me stating he limit the total ADVANCE in the Distributor. The car now runs perfect after almost a year of frustrations, even the Stromberg 97 is happy now. Go figure, the Engine Rebuilder had the answer all this time.

What model is this problem distributor?

if not model maybe post photo of it.

It would be good to know about this.

[1929]

Originally Posted by Benson

What model is this problem distributor?

if not model maybe post photo of it.

It would be good to know about this.

If you look at the site-FS Ignitions, you will see only 3 Distributors on display, The Zipper, The Stock Model A and The FSI Distributor which I have.

[petew]

Originally Posted by 1929

I purchased my FS Ignition about a year ago, had numerous problems that Mel tried to address. New coil, new Module, New wires, different plugs, even sent the Distributor back to get checked out, still the problems existed. One day I told my engine rebuilder about it, he said send me the distributor to adjust the problem, If I can remember exactly, I think he said its a forklift distributor, with too much advance for the Model A engine. He sent it back to me stating he limit the total ADVANCE in the Distributor. The car now runs perfect after almost a year of frustrations, even the Stromberg 97 is happy now. Go figure, the Engine Rebuilder had the answer all this time.

Interesting, I am having the same issues with the same distributor .
Any chance of finding out what your guy did ?
The advance springs seem way too light on mine.

[1929]

Originally Posted by petew

Interesting, I am having the same issues with the same distributor .
Any chance of finding out what your guy did ?
The advance springs seem way too light on mine.

All I can tell you is that he told me that it is a forklift distributor, with too much advance, and that he had to limit the advance. Maybe this certain distributor works fine on a stock Model A engine, but it didn't work good on my engine. He told me it needed more modification.

[updraught]

Originally Posted by petew

Interesting, I am having the same issues with the same distributor .
Any chance of finding out what your guy did ?
The advance springs seem way too light on mine.

It is going to need light springs and a quick advance as the A has far less initial advance than the B (which has a auto advance built in), from what I gather.

The total advance is going to have to be adjusted depending on the compression ratio. I'd guess the total advance would kick in at 1000 to 2000 revs.

[Roadster Rich]

I have the standard FSI distributor and have had it on my car for about 15 years. I set the slow idle position at about minus 3 degrees with a timing light and it has run perfectly for all that time. Only one time when I left the ignition on after running out the gas from the carb, and burned out the electronic module. This was about 12 years ago and the company sent me a free replacement module. I was so impressed that I purchased another to carry in the car. I think their product is quite good and a great company to deal with.

Rich

[V4F]

ive had the self advance fsi for many years with no problems at all .

[CarlG]

I have the FSI Zipper on my engine. It was installed by my engine builder, who is also an FSI dealer. I have about 3,000 miles on it. So far I have had no problems at all.

[CYB4]

I also have the standard FSI distributor in my 1930 Tudor and it runs perfect. Also minus 3 Degrees at idle.

[Jason in TX]

He made it so the advance plate could not move as far. That would not be the springs.

Without seeing it, it sounds like he may have put something in the distrib to prevent the plate from moving as far.

[petew]

No question it's a great product sold by nice people , I just need to get mine ironed out.

[denis4x4]

Originally Posted by 1929

All I can tell you is that he told me that it is a forklift distributor, with too much advance, and that he had to limit the advance. Maybe this certain distributor works fine on a stock Model A engine, but it didn't work good on my engine. He told me it needed more modification.

Your engine builder is misinformed. I'm running an FS on a B block with a CRAGAR head. Mel sent me some different springs and it took me about an hour to get it dialed in. Been running Petronix products for 30 years and the only failure was self inflicted.

[updraught]

The point here, as I see it, is that the symptoms don't seem to match up with too much advance. The A is not that fussy about spark timing at idle.

The FSI install instructions say it has a soft springs for a quick advance and that if it pings or knocks retard the timing a few degrees.

[petew]

Ok , figured my problem out this morning.
First let me say my engine is miles from stock with a high compression aluminum head, dual Stromberg 97's and a Stipe B cam.
My engine simply didn't like the set up from FSI as delivered . The advance springs were very light and all of my advance was in at or just above idle.
That caused a stumble.
I swapped the springs out for some heavier ones and set my initial timing @ 10 degrees and now it runs like a champ.
The FSI distributor is a piece of jewelry inside , very well made . For me it just needed a little very minor tuning to dial it in.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Minerva was like driving a DIFFERENT car, when I installed a NEW Mallory, single point distributor.
Bill Smooth