Electrical: Distributor problem 259

[5brown1]

Had a problem with the Speedster ignition and eventually removed the distributor cap to find that the rotor had cut grooves in the cap contacts. Ordered a new cap and rotor for the Delco 1110839. I assumed it is the original distributor but cannot find any number on it, only an oval tag attached which is impossible to read. Anyway I installed the new cap and rotor and the same thing occurred but with only a few contacts although the remainder had scuffs.
The distributor shaft does not seem to have any play.
Suggestions?

[gordr]

Sounds like either the cap or the rotor is wrong for the distributor. Are you sure the cap is properly seated on the distributor body? Is the rotor a tight fit on the distributor shaft?

I'd suggest for the time being, file about .005 to .010" off the end of the rotor tip. The rotor tip is not supposed to actually touch the posts in the cap.

[BobPalma]

Is the tachometer pulsemotor drive unit still in place betrween the distributor body and the distributor cap? If so, it could be installed off-center or have "floppy" bushings of its own. BP

[jclary]

Sounds like either the cap or the rotor is wrong for the distributor. Are you sure the cap is properly seated on the distributor body? Is the rotor a tight fit on the distributor shaft?

I'd suggest for the time being, file about .005 to .010" off the end of the rotor tip. The rotor tip is not supposed to actually touch the posts in the cap.

I agree with the above. I actually ran an incorrect rotor in the distributor on my '48 for about 5 years before it got so sloppy it quit allowing the engine to run. I am not sure about the V8's, but with the long production of these engines, there were many variations of distributors over the years. At one time, I laid about 6 distributors and a pile of rotors and caps out on a table. All of them were for Studebaker 6 cylinder engines and none of them were the same. I have 4 different V8 Studebaker engines, none have the same distributor.

The fact that these engines will run with mismatched parts is a testament to the genius of their design.

[5brown1]

gordr,
I did file the tip down on the original and when the replacements arrived made sure the new cap was on correctly. I runs but I just did not expect to have the same problem with the new parts.

[5brown1]

Bob,
I have no idea what the drive unit looks like. I am familiar with distributors and so believe I would have noticed something unusual. Maybe the lack of the unit means that a different distributor has been installed. The car has been converted (sort of) to 12 volts. Many things have not been connected. I did find a wiring harness which I believe is for the tachometer but see no place for it to plug into in the engine compartment. I think a different distributor is in order. One which can be converted to pertonix (sp) or some other electronic system eventually.
What other distributors will fit the 259?

[5brown1]

jclary,
I do have the car running with the parts I have. It actually sounds good at idle and fast idle but has no power. As I mentioned to BP I think I will look for a different distributor. I also just checked the fuel pressure and found it is only 1/2 pound. So it appears that the lack of power is caused by a lack of fuel.

[StudeRich]

In that case, a new fuel pump and another early Delco Dist. like the one you have, but in good shape, and if you want, a Pertronixs unit for it will fix you right up! Not a problem.

[skyway]

I've seen some newly made/offshore "Delco" rotors are not the best. Junky looking casting/loose on the shaft/no resistor carbon.
I guess the same may be true of new caps?
You might want to compare what you have to a known old Delco parts.