what to do
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More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 559
Likes: 8
what to do
I have a Ford 312 v8 in my 1955 F100. The ignition wire that goes from the coil to the points just died. I would like to replace this wire but the cost is 11 dollars. I found out that a petronix igniton is like 80 dolllars. Is there another wire from another ford I could use? Also what is the difference on 1955 and older distributor vs a 1957 and newer distributor. How can I tell the difference. The problem being is I need to know which electronic ignition to order.
Thanks
Jerry
Thanks
Jerry
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9,703
Likes: 823
From: Wentzville, MO
Your 312 may already have the newer distributor. It wasn't original to a F100 Truck ever. Is your truck 6 volts or 12? Does your system have a ballast resistor on the firewall?
Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but the 57 and newer distributors have a single vacuum advance diaphragm while the earlier models have a dual. I also believe the earlier distributors ONLY have vacuum advance while the 57 and newer distributors have both vacuum and mechanical advance. Here's some distributor help TECHNICAL
The real question is why can't you go to one of the big box auto stores and buy the appropriate color and gauge wire and replace the wire that's damaged? You can use some silicone where the wire goes through the distributor. All in all 11 dollars isn't that bad IMO.
I prefer Petronix ignitions because they do away with your points (no more gaps or dwell to fool with) but I would highly recommend getting the matching coil. If you do go the Petronix route, you'll have to know which distributor you have as the modules are different. Don't ask how I know.
Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but the 57 and newer distributors have a single vacuum advance diaphragm while the earlier models have a dual. I also believe the earlier distributors ONLY have vacuum advance while the 57 and newer distributors have both vacuum and mechanical advance. Here's some distributor help TECHNICAL
The real question is why can't you go to one of the big box auto stores and buy the appropriate color and gauge wire and replace the wire that's damaged? You can use some silicone where the wire goes through the distributor. All in all 11 dollars isn't that bad IMO.
I prefer Petronix ignitions because they do away with your points (no more gaps or dwell to fool with) but I would highly recommend getting the matching coil. If you do go the Petronix route, you'll have to know which distributor you have as the modules are different. Don't ask how I know.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,288
Likes: 1,053
From: NM
Does your wire go all the way from the coil, in thru the side or bottom of the distributor, and on to the points in one piece? Or is there a connection on the side of the distributor where the internal wire connects on the inside, and the one from the coil connects on the outside?
The wire under the points plate inside the distributor needs to be special flexible wire, so it won't prevent the vacuum can from moving the points plate to advance the timing. The wire outside the distributor can be any old piece of 14 ga. wire.
The wire under the points plate inside the distributor needs to be special flexible wire, so it won't prevent the vacuum can from moving the points plate to advance the timing. The wire outside the distributor can be any old piece of 14 ga. wire.
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