bad wire from distributor
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Joined: Sep 2011
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bad wire from distributor
I have a Ford 312 in my 1955 Ford F 100. The wire that goes from the distributor to the coil side melted and is falling apart. Can I replace this wire without taking out the distributor? The wire did not become hot. I think there was a bare spot on the wire and it grounded. Or can I take out the wire from the distributor by taking off the cap? Any help will be appreciated.
thanks
Jerry
thanks
Jerry
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,125
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From: Wharton, PA
You should be able to replace the wire without removing the distributer. On my 223 there was an external post that the wire attached to. Not sure about your 312. Even if there is no post, once you remove the cap you should see where the wire comes in and attaches to the points.
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Thanks for the advice on opening up distributor cap. I didnt have the time yesterday. First time firing up truck with power steering set up. The truck ran but it was kind of funky. Was more concerned with the power steering. But with a bad wire i need to fix this first.
Thanks
Jerry
Thanks
Jerry
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9,743
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From: Wentzville, MO
Might be a great time to get a Petronix igniter electronic ignition for the beast. It comes with a new wire and you can install it with the distributor in the engine. OBTW get a matching Flamethrower Coil. Best $200 upgrade you'll ever spend.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Central PA
I had the SAME issue, dist wire was in really bad shape and i was tired messing with the points and condenser all the time(or at least on mine it was). However you will have to take out the distrib to put the pertronix on. If you decide not to you can replace the wire fairly easily as long as you can get in there and work. On my 52 it is a little tough to reach but it can be done.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Northville, MI
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More Turbo
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Thanks for all the information. I think I am going to just replace the wire for now. I have enough on my plate with making sure the power steering works. But electronic ignition will be added in the future/
Thanks
Jerry
Thanks
Jerry
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I have a Ford 312 in my 1955 Ford F 100. The wire that goes from the distributor to the coil side melted and is falling apart. Can I replace this wire without taking out the distributor? The wire did not become hot. I think there was a bare spot on the wire and it grounded. Or can I take out the wire from the distributor by taking off the cap? Any help will be appreciated.
thanks
Jerry
thanks
Jerry
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
If that wire goes into the distributor and connects to the points, it is a special wire. Finer strands and more of them than common automotive electrical wire. This makes it more flexible and less prone to breakage as the points move when the timing advances and retards. It is called a Primary Lead wire. I haven't purchased one since about 1983. But back then NAPA Auto Parts sold them. At worse, get one for a later model Ford that still uses a points type distributor and adapt it to fit your distributor.
1948/56 all trucks. Same as 1960/72 Falcon/Fairlane/Mustang 170/200 I-6.
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Well i went to my local Kragen parts house and they had the wire I needed for my points wire.It is the same wire for a 1969 ford Mustang 289. So I put it in and the truck fired up. So truck starts, power steering works and I still dont understand why I didnt do this earlier. Oh yeah I remember I needed money and time.
thanks
Jerry
thanks
Jerry
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