Arcing

roadrunner · Post by **roadrunner** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:17 am

After reading this entire thread I don't see another possible problem with the aluminum replacement distributor mentioned. That would be moisture arc-over. By providing an aluminum base (conductive) as opposed to a plastic one (non-conductive) there is now a more direct line (and shorter) for moisture arc-over when in wet climate application. And yes, I realize it can arc to the shaft but it has to arc through the rotor (high dielectric resistance) to get there. Past experience has shown me it is usually much easier to arc down the side of a cap to a conductive base due to moisture/dirt contamination or higher than normal resistance from a failing plug wire. Just my $.02 worth.

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:25 am

roadrunner wrote:After reading this entire thread I don't see another possible problem with the aluminum replacement distributor mentioned. That would be moisture arc-over.

And you have had this problem?

Rest easy. This will not be an issue. The housing is now grounded. I can show you first hand extreme examples of high energy systems using aluminum housings with much more resistance in the spark path that have never had this problem.
Pretty long stretch there.

roadrunner · Post by **roadrunner** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:58 am

HenryJ wrote:
roadrunner wrote:After reading this entire thread I don't see another possible problem with the aluminum replacement distributor mentioned. That would be moisture arc-over.
And you have had this problem? :lol:Pretty long stretch there.

Yes, in my dealership days, I actually have experienced this problem. I've seen caps short to ground down the inside to metal base causing miss-fire under load due to moisture, dirt, or bad wires and also thru caps to clips/screws securing the cap to the base.
Only a long stretch if you've not experienced it. Also as an aside I too have worked on systems (and unfortunately been zapped by em) with substantially higher voltages than our CC's put out. You know you've really been NAILED when not only your arm and hand are sore from it but also your leg where it "jumped" back to ground on vehicle bumper. That is, of course, if you haven't noticed picking your a** up off the shop floor and wondering what truck hit you to put you down there.
So, Yeah I've been there and done that.

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:09 am

Let me know when you find that problem on a late model vehicle using alkyd. Things have come a long way since that sort of thing was an issue.

Horsehammerr · Post by **Horsehammerr** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:57 am

Looks a new competition of the minds.

roadrunner · Post by **roadrunner** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 7:48 pm

Horsehammerr wrote:Looks a new competition of the minds.

Not really. Brule's experiences are just different than mine. And yes I have experienced this problem with alkyd. Not as often but still can happen.

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 8:16 pm

If, you have searched long and hard on this particular distributer shortcomings then, you will have run across a few photos of mine that really have a sharp shade of green on them. I have to admit that the rotor and cap were pretty in the "sporty" green

roadrunner · Post by **roadrunner** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 8:19 pm

I was always kinda fond of the blue ones myself.