Copper flecks in the distributor cap

[JD in PR]

Fleck of copper in the distributor cap indicate that the distributor has too much side slop right? I see there is a bushing available. Does this usually fix the problem. It died a couple days ago and will not fire, dtopped dead in it track so suspect that more copper is shorting out spark or worse. I have a front mounted dist on my 8N with a loader so it is really tough to see a lot, so want some advice before tearing it down.

 

[Dell (WA)]

JD........yeah, worn bushing in frontmount distributor causes "copper-flecks". Its a 15min, 2-bolt job to remove the frontmount distributor to work it on yer kitchen table. Since it is an "off-set" tang drive scheme, you can NOT install outta time, so remove it for points replacement and other work. Simple, eh?.........Dell

 

[souNdguy]

Once the bushing wears enough, your spark gap on the breaker points can become exagerated and open too far, or not close.. also can let the rotor hit the internal contacts inside the cap.

Again.. Dell gave you great advie ont he 2-bolt EZ distribuitor removal job..

Tip: leave your sparky wires attached tot he cap so you don't get them out of order.. then unclip the coil bale and the cap.. set the coil up on the head, runt he 2 bolts out ont he distrib and finagle out.. DO get a new gasket when you put it back.. event he cork one under the coil.. etc.

Soundguy

 

[Bob]

Also, if the front axle pivot pin is worn, the front axle can smack the distributor cap when the front axle pivots to it's maximum limit, and cause the cap to be hit by the rotor.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Dell:
Thanks ... nice to know I can't put in back in wrong. once I replace this there should be no side slop that I can perceive by hand correct? If there is then likely the dist. shaft would need replacement?
Soundguy: thanks as well... didn't think about the slop in bushing affecting the gap.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Bob:
Ran into a hole a couple of minutes before it "just died" I also hear the fan ticking the shroud so must have the problem you suggest. There were some chips out of the distributor plug sockets as well, makes me wonder if the previous owner found some holes as well.