Re: 1938 Super 8 1605 - adventures with a newbie

Posted by TxGoat On 2023/10/21 19:40:17

It could be one or more of several issues with the distributor. If the timing is jumping around at 600 RPM or so with a good timing light, It could indicate that the distributor cam needs cleaned and lubricated. Or there might be a problem with the springs in the mechanical advance unit. The ignition point spring tension might be low. A very loose distributor shaft bushing might cause it. If the engine has a vacuum leak or valve issues, the vacuum advance might cause the timing to float. A bad condenser might cause erratic coil firing. If you have a dual point distributor, there might be issues peculiar to dual point units. I have no experience with them to draw on. The distributor rotor might be loose on the shaft. Plug wires leaking or cross-firing could cause erratic firing.