Distributor problem

[tom'sB2B]

Had to rebuild my generator because the rear bushing was worn out. While doing so, I pulled the distributor to gap the points. I'm having the worst time trying to figure out why it won't fire up. I know it's the distributor because I used the distributor from my truck and got it to run. What I discovered this afternoon while putting the distributor back in, the drive shaft of the distributor drew a spark when it touched the block. The coil wire was attached to the distributor.

I'm guessing that might be my problem and that it's not insulated. So when the points gap is open, im not creating a spark.

What do you think?

[Plymouthy Adams]

check you input lead to ensure it is not grounding between the input from the coil and the points assembly....with points open it should read open with a VOM....

[Merle Coggins]

The distributor body completes the ground for the ignition circuit into the block by contact.. If you had the key on, with the coil connected to the points, it’s quite possible that your spark came from that electricity looking for a path to ground. This would tell you that you have a good electrical circuit. 

With the distributor installed will you get a spark at the points if you open and close them manually? 

[tom'sB2B]

59 minutes ago, Merle Coggins said:

The distributor body completes the ground for the ignition circuit into the block by contact.. If you had the key on, with the coil connected to the points, it’s quite possible that your spark came from that electricity looking for a path to ground. This would tell you that you have a good electrical circuit. 

With the distributor installed will you get a spark at the points if you open and close them manually? 

Ok. That makes sense. Back to the drawing board. There is something simple I must be missing.

[tom'sB2B]

1 hour ago, Merle Coggins said:

The distributor body completes the ground for the ignition circuit into the block by contact.. If you had the key on, with the coil connected to the points, it’s quite possible that your spark came from that electricity looking for a path to ground. This would tell you that you have a good electrical circuit. 

With the distributor installed will you get a spark at the points if you open and close them manually? 

Ok. That makes sense. Back to the drawing board. There is something simple I must be missing.

[desoto1939]

tom:

 

Check all of the small wires inside the dizzy body one might have a bare wire and causing a shot.  Also check where the braker plate assembly sticks out of the dizzy body under this opening there should be a rubber plug in which the  little tab slide throught this prevents the breaker plate from making a complete contact. There also should be a bakealite  insulator under the tab of the breaker plate assembly where is sticks out from the dizzy body.

 

Rich Hartung

Desoto1939@aol.com