Ok, so I usually try to do a bunch of looking around before asking question. A little backround, I'm trying to start my flathead v8 but we are running into some wiring issues around the distributor. So I replaced the voltage regulator, coil, plugs(autolite), plug wires, and the battery. The motor turns over great but I have no spark. I didn't order a condenser at first because I didn't think it even had one(wasn't in the distributor)(I'm new to old motors too). So I ordered one but it seemed like it didn't want to mount up inside the distributor, seemed just too big. While I was messing around I noticed that the condenser was mounted outside of the distributor, Is this normal?. I could not find a condenser mounted like this. I have power to the coil and on the other side of the coil when the coil to distributor wire is not hooked up. When I hook up the coil wire to the post on the bottom of the distributor it will arc and then all of a sudden no power to the one side of the coil. I'm wondering if it is grounding out somewhere and messing up the coil?. Also what side of the coil goes to the distributor, positive or negative? Just want to make sure it is right. I wish I would have taken a pic but I didn't. I ordered points too but they didn't seem right either. I'm thinking the distributor is funky, what are your thoughts. Im terrible with wiring

 

It's real common for the wire that goes from the distributor to the coil to become frayed and short out on the bottom of the points plate. You can buy a new one or make your own, but it needs to be pretty flexbile or it will prevent the points plate from advancing.

P/N CODF12216A at the Ford dealer, or at NAPA: ECH LW40
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...W40_0366065575

I'd have to look, but I recall the condenser mounting inside the cap.

 

My condensor is mounted outside the cap and it was wired to the little post on the bottom of the distributor where my coil wire hooked to. I'm not sure if the distributor is original since the PO did a motor swap. I have no clue if it's right or not. I was wondering also how to get the points plate off. Is it just the little pin and the springs or is there more to it. I think I need to replace that little coil wire

 

Made this video before I sold my old merc. Might have something that helps you out.

 

I have watched that video before. I think a picture is needed to show everyone what my distributor and condenser mount looks like. Also, does the wire going to the coil need to be a real heavy gauge because the one that comes out of my wiring harness is not nearly that big. I am still six volt.

 

A #16 wire should be OK. See the assembly pic below, which shows the condenser inside. Can you take a picture of your dizzy? (with the cap off) Do you have it out of the truck?

As I recall, by removing the clip #12146, and disconnecting the advance can 12370, the points plate will be loose but won't come off. But that will let you tilt it enough to replace the wire.

 

^^^ thanks I looked at that diagram too. My dizzy is not like that. I will try to take some pics tomorrow. It's in my shop. The PO must have put a different one on there. I may end up pulling my father in laws to see if it works. Definitely need to get those pics up

 

If it has flyweights above the points for mechanical advance, it may already have a Bubba conversion distributor. BIG advantage! Is there a little sliding metal "door" on the side of the distributor cap? Bubba converts GM distributors for flatheads.
"Bubbatronics" Electronic Flathead Distributor

 

Here is how to post pic's on FTE

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ure-guide.html

 

thanks artic, I know how to post the pics but I have to take them first lol