Starting problem fixed - FYI

[GregL]

I'll try to keep this short. The other day, completely out of the blue, I had the hardest time starting my rig. It took FOREVER, as though it wasn't getting any power, then belched black smoke, ran rough for about 15 seconds, then smoothed right out.

Cut to today, I was nosing around my distributor, familiarizing myself before my first timing check, and I noticed that the feed wire leading to the bottom of the distributor was frayed. I cut the wire and cut the connector off to rebuild it. I noticed that the metal shell of the connector had a few large score marks on it, as though the wire (V+) had shorted against the shell (Gnd). AHA! That was probably my starting problem the other day, then when the engine rumbled and jiggled the wire away from the shell, it was all good.

After repairing the connector and wire, I started the truck, and it started right up just like before!

Well, today was a good day with my rig. I added a few accessories, fixed several small problems, and didn't F anything up! Life is good.

[rixm37]

I agree Greg anytime you can fix a problem and do a few other things to the rig it's a great day!!!!

[amanco]

I had a smiler problem though not a short. Starting was getting harder and harder to happen until it was nearly impossible. The problem was the gap setting of the points had closed. Maybe because the follower on the points had worn a bit? I put a tiny dab of grease on the follower and reset the points gap and starting was instant after that. (AKA a good advert for the electronic ignition conversion!)

[Lifer]

I put a tiny dab of grease on the follower and reset the points gap and starting was instant after that. (AKA a good advert for the electronic ignition conversion!)

Oh, you "young whipper-snappers!" That was a semiannual "given" back when I was a pup. We gave our cars, trucks, and tractors a tuneup every spring and every fall. What you describe was just part of the job.

[m-37Bruce]

Lifer, Ric & Keith,
A good slide into Preventive Maintenance.