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First off, I am no mechanic. I do the best i can by reading on line and on this site.
I am having trouble starting my 66 f100 with a 240 engine. So I am taking it step by step. New points, condenser, new dist cap. My distibutor is an Autolite C6TF 1212 AC.
I bought a new rotor and installed it. When it is installed and seated properly, I can turn it a bit each way, just a few degrees. I see the distributor shaft has a double sided spring action collar on thew rotor. I assume this is normal for this to happen?
Yes that's normal. If it didn't move at all that would indicate a problem with the advance mechanism. If you ever want to get rid of the points there are always some NOS Motorcraft Durasparks for those engines on e-bay. They can be easily wired to a Chrysler module which makes for a much cleaner, simpler, and cheaper install than using the Ford module.
thanks for both pieces of info. I want to get it running to see if i have a good engine and transmission then i will for sure make the swap you suggested.
I have 135 psi in all 6 cylinders, so i am hoping it will be ok.
The swap to NOS Motorcraft Durasparks, is this a topic that has been discussed on this forum? I will do a search and see. I do want it to be as dependable as possible.
I'd say points and condenser are as reliable as anything, but, they do need adjustment somewhere around every 10,000 miles. The whole points issue is one thing (along with brakes, steering, generators etc) that gets told and retold over and over and exaggerated with each retelling, so today we're to the point that it's simply unimaginable that any of those poor SOBs driving these things back in the day even made it across town.
I'd say points and condenser are as reliable as anything, but, they do need adjustment somewhere around every 10,000 miles. The whole points issue is one thing (along with brakes, steering, generators etc) that gets told and retold over and over and exaggerated with each retelling, so today we're to the point that it's simply unimaginable that any of those poor SOBs driving these things back in the day even made it across town.
the only issue with points is, you clean them and set them when you do your oil change. As far as reliability, they will not leave you dead on the road like electronic ignition will. Long before a point failure it will be running crappy enough to let you know. Electronics will run 100% until the moment it doesn't. And Yes we did drive these dependably for many years.