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

Hello,

Is there a difference besides model numbers for the Delco 1937 115 distributor vs the 1938 delco six distributor. I know that the model numbers that Delco gave them where different but besides that it looks like the points, condenser, and vacuum advance are interchangeable.

I just noticed that my 1937 115 which has had a 1938 engine in it still has the distributor model for a 1937 engine in it. Is it ok to interchange them as was done.

Thanks

James

According to the 37 and 38 model introduction specs in the service letters the same Delco dist was used on both years but there are a few very minor detail changes. Timing spec is different and point gap is different. Wonder if they might have changed the gap to open the points more or longer for a bit better spark and maybe changed the weight or springs for a different centrifugal advance curve. For having the same part number on the basic dist doubt there is much more they would have changed without going to a new number. Is it the Delco number you found to be different or the Packard part number? With such minor differences I would think the dists would be interchangeable.

Attach file:

---

  (73.33 KB)

I haven't looked it up but the most likely difference would be a small change in either the centrifugal or vacuum advance profiles, or both, due to the larger displacement of the 1938 motor. Just as a generalization, best performance will be with the correct one though the difference may be small.

The centrifugal advance curves are the only difference.
The 1937 and 1937-38 shop manuals on this site show the following advance numbers for distributor RPM:

1937 Start @ 300, 1-3/4 to 3-1/4 @ 600, 9-14 to 10-3/4 @ 2000

!938 Start @ 300, 4 @ 800, 8-1/2 @ 2000

In addition, I have a 1942 Delco catalog that shows advance weights and springs for 1937 647-E distributors with a serial number greater than 27000 the same as the 1938 1110203 distributor so it looks like there was a running change.

Thanks for the information from everyone