Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

In my 1929 8cyl Packard is a North East Electric distributor Model TEU type 10868. I need to change the ignition wires but I cannot get the upper cap off the distributor cap to get to the wires themselves. It is either super stuck on or glued on. What am I missing?? It seems pretty straight forward but to no avail.

Suggestions??

Thanks. 😊

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Since no one has replied, I'm guessing there is no great answer. The two should just come apart.

Since you are going to replace the wires, here's what I would try. I'd cut all 9 wires to remove the top with the lower part of the cap. Turn it upside down and soak them in paint thinner (which should not hurt the Bakelite) overnight. Then gently try removing the cap from the body. You could softly tap it, but remember it is very brittle and it would not hurt to have a backup all lined up.

GOOD LUCK

Before doing the above try squirting a spray lubricant along the side of the screw on top and let it sit for several hours

I would not try prying it. I would twist it first. I would also wiggle those wires a bit to see if they are really causing the top to stick. The plastic on those wires may have melted a bit. New wires are in order for sure. None appear to be stock.

Thanks for the suggestion 👍

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Mel (‘29 633 Mel), I'm afraid Marty is right. Attached you will find three preview images of the lower sealing surface. All of them are TEU 10868.

Quote:
Gary (GaryinSC), I feel the same temptation. But shoot a glance at image 4, please. The distributor cap is protected against rotation.


image sources
#1 - ebay item number:174210108404
#2 - eBay item number:124030263429
#3 - ebay item number:235331419593
#4 - eBay item number:155707788138
Click to enlarge!

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Mel (‘29 633 Mel), the shape of the distributor cap in the upper area gave me no peace and I continued searching. The cap is divided, the upper area can be removed separately.
Now I realize that you, Marty & Gary probably already knew this and were only talking about the little lid that forms the top outer finish.


image source: 2040-parts.com

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Sorry I thought you were referring to the upper part of the cap were the wires enter. Yes you could pry on the bottom part at the positioning tab by inserting a thin screw driver. I might also have run a razor knife around the rim to break up the rust. I assume this car was not running with the looks of those points ?

I have a used cap for a 33, don't know if they are the same. If you brake it let me know. Dell

Dell, if your cap is for a 1933 Tenth series Eight it definitely won't fit the distributor pictured. Tenth Series distributors have wires exiting from the front and back, not all exiting in one location as this one has.

Caps and points etc are available from Max Merritt or Kanter. But it will knock all the bumps off your Visa card to get them.