H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.

[Dissident]

Howdy Todd and Autumn,


Simple fix for grubby looking distributor: Easy solution is to wash the rusty parts with household vinegar (weak acetic acid) and it will turn ferrous parts black. Wipe them off and after dry spray them with either some urethane or Bostik Top Coat for Tool Surface Sealant (both are clear and will protect the ferrous surfaces without impeding the magnetic p/u or the reluctor function. Spraying the aluminum won't hurt a thing and also helps to keep down corrosion.



The rusty stuff is a result of the high energy sparking in the cap and that generates nitric oxide in the atmosphere within the cap. This is a reaction from ozone in the cap volume (from the duration and energy of the sparks in the cap). Need to check the phasing of the rotor to the cylinder poles. Air circulation will also help, the small breather on the cap is not enough so it helps to sometimes drill a 3/8" diameter hole in the bottom of the distributor. The vertical ribs on the rotor will function as an air pump and allow air movement within the cap which is a plus.
What you showed in your pic of the distributor is pretty common and although it looks ugly, is easy to fix.


Good Luck with the simple fix while you are waiting for other parts.


Regards,
HB2
Dissident

[Pat6868]

Had this problem with 3 distributors on different cars. Talked to tech at MSD and was told they are aware of this. Suggested I send one to them. Three weeks later it was shipped to my door completely rebuilt. The only part that wasn't new was the aluminum housing, all N/C including shipping. Tough to beat that kind of service.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Pat6868

Had this problem with 3 distributors on different cars. Talked to tech at MSD and was told they are aware of this. Suggested I send one to them. Three weeks later it was shipped to my door completely rebuilt. The only part that wasn't new was the aluminum housing, all N/C including shipping. Tough to beat that kind of service.

Sounds like great service, I have another one that's almost new, I could use it and send this one back.

[Dave Gantz]

Originally Posted by Nmbr1GMfan

Sounds like great service, I have another one that's almost new, I could use it and send this one back.

Yeah, now you have a spare.

You guys are gonna have a nice car. Can't hurt to take a breather. Making a car right isn't easy.

Autumn, you are learning a LOT.

Todd, this thread is showing what's involved in building a nice car. I would venture to guess that most casual onlookers will learn a lot from your well very documented experience.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Dave Gantz

Yeah, now you have a spare.

You guys are gonna have a nice car. Can't hurt to take a breather. Making a car right isn't easy.

Autumn, you are learning a LOT.

Todd, this thread is showing what's involved in building a nice car. I would venture to guess that most casual onlookers will learn a lot from your well very documented experience.

Thank you. As always it takes longer that you'd like to get one done, we're just changing so much that it adds tons of time. One word of caution to everyone, it's challenging to build something that you can't find parts for.

[Bob Mulry]

Just my two cents......

You might consider upgrading with an Adapt-A-Cap from MSD.

This type cap increases the spacing between the spark plugs contacts inside the cap and helps prevent misfires..

While you are at it drill a 7/16 hole in the cap midway between #1 spark plug and the coil terminal to correct the rotor phasing.

Make sure you get the set with the adjustable rotor to correct phasing after you time it.

Have fun...

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Bob Mulry

Just my two cents......

You might consider upgrading with an Adapt-A-Cap from MSD.

This type cap increases the spacing between the spark plugs contacts inside the cap and helps prevent misfires..

While you are at it drill a 7/16 hole in the cap midway between #1 spark plug and the coil terminal to correct the rotor phasing.

Make sure you get the set with the adjustable rotor to correct phasing after you time it.

Have fun...

Thanks Bob.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Dissident

Howdy Todd and Autumn,


Simple fix for grubby looking distributor: Easy solution is to wash the rusty parts with household vinegar (weak acetic acid) and it will turn ferrous parts black. Wipe them off and after dry spray them with either some urethane or Bostik Top Coat for Tool Surface Sealant (both are clear and will protect the ferrous surfaces without impeding the magnetic p/u or the reluctor function. Spraying the aluminum won't hurt a thing and also helps to keep down corrosion.



The rusty stuff is a result of the high energy sparking in the cap and that generates nitric oxide in the atmosphere within the cap. This is a reaction from ozone in the cap volume (from the duration and energy of the sparks in the cap). Need to check the phasing of the rotor to the cylinder poles. Air circulation will also help, the small breather on the cap is not enough so it helps to sometimes drill a 3/8" diameter hole in the bottom of the distributor. The vertical ribs on the rotor will function as an air pump and allow air movement within the cap which is a plus.
What you showed in your pic of the distributor is pretty common and although it looks ugly, is easy to fix.


Good Luck with the simple fix while you are waiting for other parts.


Regards,
HB2
Dissident

Thank you, very helpful

[Dave Gantz]

Originally Posted by Nmbr1GMfan

Thank you, very helpful

I agree, good stuff.