Running like a pig!

[aodanosiurdain]

My 1850 Dolly recently started running really badly. After some investigation i found it has mardly any spark coming from the distributor to cylinder 4. Strangest of all if I tilt the distributor cap slightly a spark does come through and she runs sweet enough. I havent mastered the art of driving while simultaneously titling the distributor. I have a new rotor arm and distributor cap ordered from Rimmers. Any thoughts??

[Toledo Man]

Ditch the Delco dizzy and fit a Sprint one.

[Dolly-Nut]

^ Agree, with an electronic conversion.
From would you've said it would indicate a cracked cap or similar, see what happens when it's changed. The cause of a weak spark could also be the HT lead, connection or plug - try some others if the problem persists.

[Pauldaf44]

From those symptoms a decent cap and rotor arm may well sort it. It sounds very much like a cracked or badly fitting distributor cap to me. Note though I said decent not new, some of the new stuff you can buy is diabolically bad!

[aodanosiurdain]

Thanks guys. I have one on order from Rimmers and I am hopeful (though not certain) this may sort the problem as the cap is definetly a little past it. i have already changed the HT leads and plugs. I am interested in upgrading to an electronic ignition system, any recommended brands and sources for same?? AJ

[Dolly-Nut]

See viewtopic.php?f=4&t=22965&p=223774&hili ... rt#p223774

[xvivalve]

From those symptoms a decent cap and rotor arm may well sort it. It sounds very much like a cracked or badly fitting distributor cap to me. Note though I said decent not new, some of the new stuff you can buy is diabolically bad!

Thanks guys. I have one on order from Rimmers and I am hopeful...

Hmm, you might need to be...!


At least this is a part shared with the TR7; you might stand a chance

[MIG Wielder]

I would hate to disagree , but I would bet on the leads rather than the cap or rotor arm. The 1850 Delco distributor is a masterpiece of good high voltage design with nice long insulated lengths the HT spark has difficulty arcing over; the down side is sheer size.
A.C. Delco rule OK in my world.
Just as a suggestion can you get a pair of well insulated chunky pliers and gently wiggle each HT lead where it enters the distributor cap. If this provokes / cures the problem its time for new leads.
Cheers for now,
Tony.

[aodanosiurdain]

Thanks tony for the suggestion. For quite a while i did blame the leads. More recently i noticed when i removed the leads in turn from the top of the distributor there was a strong steady spark coming from 1,2 and 3 but little or nothing coming from 4. Now that could be that lead is duff except if I nudge the distributor cap slightly to one side the spark returns quitevstrongly. Then when i let go the cap the spark in 4 goes again

[Jon Tilson]

I'm with Tony on this....the AC delco cap is normally dead reliable. I have only had one rotor arm failure in 30 plus years.

I'd try cleaning the contacts inside the cap, looking at the rotor arm end contact and then checking for sideways play in the dizzy spindle. You may well find thats the cause
and that the points dont open as much on one cam position. Also look at the sprung advance weights on the top and make sure they move freely.

Make sure the cap is seated properly and the clips engage as they should.

Then get another lead....only change the cap after doing all that has eliminated everything else, including no4 plug....

I wouldn't waste a Sprint distributor on a cooking 1850 now that we've established there is a cheap electronic ignition that works....unless you have one doing noting
which few people actually do...

Jonners

[aodanosiurdain]

Thanks iwill certainly try out your suggestion tomorrow!

[thekettleson]

Further to Jon's reply - can I please ask someone to confirm which "cheap" electronic ignition kit is now recommended for the 1850?

Have been neglecting Blu (and reading this forum) for a few weeks now due to combination of work and a few other things, and now have a list of jobs that I want to do, starting with replacing the current set-up.

Many thanks,

James

[Edin Dundee]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Accuspark-Ste ... 8629892%26
I have this on my 1850 with a 12v coil and no ballast, works well.

[thekettleson]

Thanks Bill, will give it a go.

James

[Edin Dundee]

Be warned, you have to dismantle the distributor (not difficult, instructions included with kit) and the mounting holes for the sensor unit don't bolt onto the points holes- one of the does, the other uses the condensor hole. Obvious when you look at the bend on the bracket, but me being thick it took Henk to point this out to me.
Thinking of which, I've not seen a post from Henk in a long time..........