1838 dodge d-8 distributer / firing order

[Fastbusa]

Hello, I'm brand new to the site. I want to say thank you in advance for knowledge of these old vehicles. I have a 1938 dodge d-8 . I'm re- doing the entire car, trying to keep it original the most I can. I have the flathead v6 and I upgraded to a new wiring harness with a fuse box. Long story short , I lost spark . I tested everything and pulled the distributer. The shaft was broken. I just received the new distributer and it won't start but is backfiring through the carb. I reset to top dead center on number 1 but still is back firing . I have the firing order but on the web shows two different distributer set ups. I'm looking for the numbers for the coinsiding cylinders. Please help!!

[VFFFrank]

All I heard was "shaft was broken"!! Do you know exactly what caused that to happen?? It's pretty important. Was this engine running prior to the broken shaft discovery? If not, it might be why it was parked to begin with. All in-line sixes share the same firing order (even the Two-Stroke Detroit Diesels) of 1-5-3-6-2-4.

Frank

[VFFFrank]

Oh, and.....it sounds as though you have the distributor installed with the shaft 180 degrees out of position. 

F

[Fastbusa]

I did pull the distributer, I thought I messed up the wiring when I was putting on the new distributer cap

[Fastbusa]

I'm not sure why the shaft broke. I have been working on the car for the last two years , but only moved it in and out of the garage. It was never driven on the street. I noticed the car having a hard time starting at first, had to use some starting fluid but it started . The car ran rough until it warmed up but nothing noticeable . Then it wouldn't start , checked spark and nothing . Replaced points, condenser nothing , replaced coil , no spark. I was think timing chain until I pulled a spark plug and saw the piston moving. Then pulled distributer and noticed the shaft broken. I put the be distributer in , I have spark but not started yet. Im thinking I might of messed up the firing order by transferring the plug wires for the new cap. Not sure yet.

[VFFFrank]

Hmmmmm. Do you have the old distributor? I'm guessing that the shaft seized on the bushings for lack of lubrication and having sat idle for a long time. You should be able to turn it with your fingers easily.

Sounds like you might not have a good manual for those engines. Get one.....it could save us all a lot of guessing.... and get you on the road.

Frank

[Don Coatney]

Where in Ohio are you located? May be a forum member near you who could assist.

 

Can you possibly post a photo of the broken distributor shaft?

[rb1949]

Manual, for 1838? That's old.

[DonaldSmith]

There's probably an 1838 Studebaker in a museum somewhere. (horse-drawn)

[Fastbusa]

Sorry, 1938 dodge d-8 I'm going to show a picture of the distributer shaft that broke. I think your right about not having enough lubrication in the distributer it was dry.

[Fastbusa]

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Edited April 22, 2016 by Fastbusa

[Fastbusa]

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[deathbound]

No pics. Before you click on "Post" at the bottom right, click on "More Reply Options", then click on "Browse" just below "Attach Files" near the bottom left. You can then upload from your computer or some other source. You may have to edit/resize your pic(s). You can "preview" your post or just "add reply" near the bottom center.

 

**EDIT** Also post pics of your car. I have a 1938 Plymouth P6 Coupe, which very similar to your car....for the most part.

Edited April 22, 2016 by deathbound