Putting a very old 1935 truck together, i need to find someone who knows their stuff on very old delco remy distributors. I am not apposed to putting electronic innards inside .any advice on who to go and see?
The original distributor should be more than adequate provided it is in good condition, has clean points, and a good condenser. Most likely problem area will be wear on the main shaft and bushes. If loose, you will not get a consistent spark, the dwell angle and timing will be varying as the shaft flops around. In theory, with the low rpm involved the demands placed on the system, even though it is probably a 6 volt system, will not be high.
sr2,
Oct 10, 2:10am
Reber Autro Electrical in Mt Roskill have a good reputation for classic cars.
gsimpson,
Oct 10, 6:40am
That is why electronic over points helps. The electronics get triggered by the points but dictate the dwell.
bwg11,
Oct 10, 8:13am
So what are you using to trigger your "electronics", a sensor on the crank pulley?
pfemstn,
Oct 12, 6:10am
keep it all original using points and condenser, rebush the body if necessary, any good electrical shop should be able to help, Electronics will cause nothing but trouble.
scuba,
Oct 12, 6:19am
Depends how much time you want to spend enjoying your motoring and how much time resetting points and timing on the side of the road. Same goes for question whether to use alternator or generator it can save a lot of time to put a modern alternator etc in. Just keep the old parts in the draw if you want to return to original or when time comes to sell.
strobo,
Oct 12, 6:27am
interesting ,how would that go in a 6v system would ya know.when you say tune-able is that with an added voltage stabilizer unit or done within in the old regulator unit?
strobo,
Oct 12, 6:36am
then its detrimental the dwell angle is set right! if used in conjunction with electronics ,no wear in shaft or at least dwell set dynamically ie turning shaft by hand while dist removed from vehicle,"Dwell "nominally meaning the amount of degrees the dist cam moves before the points begin to open . or did you mean the electronics determine the dwell and adjust accordingly? because dwell angles are all different between the number of cylinders in use.ie 30 deg for a 6cyl or 55 deg for 4cyl, to add i just now see that item has adjustable dwell.helps if i read the lot lol, now got my head around it !
strobo,
Oct 12, 6:53am
But still using points to trigger! point less!
boatman88,
Oct 16, 7:59am
Thanks for the input, Sorry I have not replied sooner. Unfortunately the distributor which came with motor is only partially complete. The cap/ rotar and plate which the points reside on are missing so I need to find someone "old school" who is knowledgeable on these old distributors. Possibly parts from other similar ilk distributors may be interchangeable? It is a tidily small 4cylinder dizzy. Guessing someone "in the know" may know. Point to add is that it is 6volt too. Rgds
gph1961,
Oct 16, 4:22pm
dwell thats a bit sharp
toyboy3,
Oct 16, 7:37pm
OP it has taken 13 posts to gain it is a 1935 truck with Delco remy distributor and now it’s a 4 cylinder, how many more posts will we need before the make and model is released
strobo,
Oct 16, 8:42pm
Seeing it's the 4 cyl variety either International or commer / vauxall based bedford and a Lucas distributor may cross over.there are plenty about if you know where to look .I may have what he's after down home but has given bugger all detail about the vehicle make or numbers off what he already has! .
boatman88,
Oct 17, 4:49am
Sorry guys, I didn't realise anyone would offer actual help, hence why I was asking if anyone could recomend a company who works on very old delco remy dizzies. The motor is a waukesha 4 cylinder. the dizzy is model 629-Z
Also there is an industrial version of that engine some parts vary; email Canterbury auto electric service on waterloo rd for parts include a photo of what you have ,I know they had massive old stock when they moved . would be nice if you could flick a pic up here too.I see all the parts catalogues with pics and numbers are all here online and ya can buy a complete dist for a couple hundy.So not obsolete.got a feeling they cross over with lucas between model vehicles.The drive cog lower may have a roll pin that knocks out .Im away home next wknd ,will through the sheds .some caps have the HT leads horizontal out some vertical.Any auto electric shop up your way should be able to help. G Simpsons idea#2 too but you will need those parts you are missing.#2 will have good contacts in Oamaru I know ;-) some places like heselwoods have closed up shop ,I think.
supernova2,
Oct 17, 7:11am
Got to ask if that was an optional factory extra? Has weathered well.
boatman88,
Oct 17, 8:17am
Thank you for the info Strobo, I will take some photos and post/ email as suggested. Re Supernova2 comment. I am still searching through the pile of parts I got to see of one was included, but strongly suspect retained by an earlier owner
gsimpson,
Oct 17, 9:19am
I believe it works with 6V. The dwell tuning is done by a potentiometer on the board. You set it to tune mode. Ignition on, engine off and it starts pulsing the coil. So you set the HT lead with a gap to earth and adjust it to get strongest spark. There is another pot to adjust pulse speed to test at different "revs". Once done set to run mode and start the car.
strobo,
Oct 17, 12:33pm
Gotcha ,small gap = large dwell . large gap =small dwell .The electronic advance in cahoots with pulse speed to advance spark up to 30 degress btdc.depending on the revs
gsimpson,
Nov 6, 3:54am
By using electronics to control the dwell it means it doesn't matter what the gap is the dwell stays the same. The opening of the points triggers the spark only. This can compensate for a worn distributor and extends service intervals. Point adjustment by eye is fine too.
Since the public registrations are closed, you must have an invite from a current member to be able to register and post in this thread.
Have an account? Login here.