8n no spark ideas?

waterman74 · Mar 22, 2013

So, my 8n was running pretty good, but we decided to take a look at the points and noticed a screw was missing. Matched it up at the local hardware store 8-32 and about a 1/4" ong. Put the screw in and no spark. Take the screw out and we have spark.

52 8n,
12v
side mount distributor

Any ideas?

Thanks

Bruce (VA) · Mar 22, 2013

" and noticed a screw was missing."

Which screw?

Clearly you are grounding the points if in fact it has spark w/o the screw.
75 Tips

waterman74 · Mar 22, 2013

labeled 1a in this diagram

http://www.external_link/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3_42_167

waterman74 · Mar 22, 2013

the one on the right

waterman74 · Mar 22, 2013

We figured we have a ground with the screw, but why would adding a screw that is suppose to be there cause a ground

JMOR · Mar 22, 2013

(quoted from post at 22:09:32 03/22/13)
We figured we have a ground with the screw, but why would adding a screw that is suppose to be there cause a ground

he screw that you pointed to grounds the condenser & to get a good spark, condenser needs to be grounded. Two possibilities that I see are #1 the screw is too long & it is hitting the advance mechanism below breaker plate & #2 the condenser is shorted & defective & you get some spark without it, but not if a shorted condenser is connected.

Dell (WA) · Mar 22, 2013

waterman.......the missing screw is a #8-32x3/16". NOT 1/4". It is catching on the under the plate centrifugal advance weights. ........Dell, yer self-appointed sparkie-meister

waterman74 · Mar 22, 2013

Thanks guys. I'll check it tomorrow. Any way to test the condenser?

JMOR · Mar 22, 2013

(quoted from post at 23:40:01 03/22/13)
Thanks guys. I'll check it tomorrow. Any way to test the condenser?

You can't "test "one properly without condenser testing equipment, BUT you can at least determine if it is shorted or open with an analog Ohmmeter. Should be infinite Ohms (if Zero it is shorted). Swapping meter leads back & forth on the cap will produce momentarily needle deflection if it has some kind of capacitance (use high Ohms scale).

Dell (WA) · Mar 22, 2013

waterman........you ask......"any way to test the condenser?"........Well, there are condenser testing meters that are $$$. You don't want to go there. Others can find a capacitance tester function on modern digital multi-meters

There are 3-failure modes for condensers.
1) OPEN...burned points; but still makes sparkies
2) SHORTED...NO sparkies, ...ie... points don't work
3) LEAKY...gradual disappearance of sparkies, usually 1-min time frame, will restart in about 5-mins

Bottom line, replace yer points and condenser as they come in a "kit". Points fer yer 5-nipple sidemount 8N are gapped 0.025". Remember to "polish" the INVISIBLE CORROSION from between the points after installation and adjustment. Me? I clamp a clean $1-bill between the points and pull. Iff'n yer really cheap, tear a strip from HEAVY brown paper grocery sack and use that. .........Dell, yer self-appointed sparkie-meister

waterman74 · Mar 23, 2013

We will buy a new kit...I'm guessing they come with new screws?

Thanks for the help

8n no spark ideas?

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