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Delco-Remy 6cyl flathead distributor - adjust?

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  • Ignition: Delco-Remy 6cyl flathead distributor - adjust?

    I’m still a ways off from starting up the driveline after its cleaning and repaint, so still tackling the pre-flight stuff one step at a time.

    Went to set my initial timing using a meter yet was getting no change in volts (not ohms) whether points opened or closed. (My old static light had a broken lead so I figure the multimeter is telling me the same thing).

    Pulley is at the factory 2 BDTC and rotor pointing to #1 lead.

    Working thru the wiring and connections using the factory wiring diagram, I’m pretty sure I’m missing something circuit-wise inside the distributor so out it came.

    I now have a few dumb questions:

    Q1: the screw that holds the dist clamp to the block passes thru the elongated oval marked Retard and Advance, and has a 7/16” hex head. See pic. The clamping (pinch) bolt itself also has a 7/16” hex. Which one should I eventually use to make timing adjustments?
    Q2: I loosened the pinch bolt to rotate the dist and verify the cam was opening the points - how do I know where to lock these two similar bolts down once I’ve set the timing? Lots of freedom built into this set-up.
    Q3: when the ignition is switched on, and I then get my 12VDC at the “+” post of the coil, what if anything should I get at the “-“ post? I didn’t seem to get anything more than a 1/3 of a volt as I opened and closed the points.

    Again, I’ll make sure everything’s good connection-wise on the distributor plate, condenser, etc. I’ve never been too good understanding how the primary and secondary circuits work at a coil so your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.


  • #2
    The small adjustment screw should be left alone screwed to the Dist. you Time the Engine with the Larger adjustment screw slot in the Plate to the Block.
    StudeRich
    Second Generation Stude Driver,
    Proud '54 Starliner Owner
    SDC Member Since 1967

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    • #3
      Well, the new points I bought at NAPA “fit perfectly” but somehow went to ground through the pivot post. Always hold onto my older parts, and putting the original point set back in, the circuit now makes and breaks properly as the cam opens the points.

      Sometimes in our desire to make everything fresh and new, a defective part will surface. The fuel and ignition operations were the only complaint when I first took ownership in July, so I figured I’d rule everything out.

      Thanks Rich on the quick reply.

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