Howdy Fellow Model T'ers! In past
columns we've talked about various parts of the Ford ignition system. We've
covered timers, the magneto, coils and sparkplugs. This time, let's discuss
the growing popularity of using a distributor and completely eliminating the
need for magneto, coils and timer!
If you do an informal survey of the
folks who tour a lot in their T's I think you'll find that more than half of
them are now using a modern distributor and single spark coil system. Those
who have them generally like them. There are those, who enjoy the buzz of
the old spark coils and continue to use the original system and when
properly adjusted the timer and coils can work equally as well but the
distributor is a much simpler system to get adjusted and working and...
unless you're using an Anderson timer, the distributor is probably more
trouble free.
There are three distributors that
currently make up the bulk of the systems sold. One uses a distributor head
from a Japanese car, another uses a Volkswagen head and the third uses a
Bosch head. All seem to be constructed pretty well and all will probably do
the job but there are differences.
Let’s take the Japanese model
first. This kit is made up by John Stolz in Weatherford, Texas. It comes
complete with 6 or 12 volt coil, idler pulley, sparkplug wires and special
wrenches. It's a nice package with everything you need to convert. The
other two do not include the sparkplug wires which will add about $10.00 to
their cost.
The Stolz distributor mounts down
in the same position as the original timer which eliminates any play that
the others may have in the spiral gear and shaft they use. That's an
advantage but the location is also a disadvantage in my opinion. The
distributor is down in front where it will be coated with oil AND it's not
in a position where you can set the points easily! Dick Chambers plans to
install one of these on his "Peach Flat" Model T and I'll let you know his
experiences with it.
The second choice uses a Volkswagen
head. When you buy this one, you'll also need to buy a coil, coil bracket
and sparkplug wires so don't forget to order them at the same time. The VW
model clamps where the timer was but the distributor itself is on top of a
vertical shaft which puts the points up where they are easy to set or
replace and easy to adjust for timing. The VW rotor turns opposite to the
Bosch unit and so it requires an slightly more complicated linkage with two
rods and a small arm to reverse the motion so that when the spark lever is
up the distributor is retarded. There's nothing wrong with this but it does
take a little longer to install and adjust the rods for the correct
distances. The VW distributor will make it difficult to get to the fan belt
adjustment because of the position of its vertical shaft. Once installed,
the VW distributor works well and spare parts are available at any local
auto supply.
The third system we'll discuss uses
the Bosch head. This one also places the distributor head on the end of a
vertical shaft making it easy to adjust or replace the points. The Bosch
also is positioned so that it does not interfere with the fan belt
tensioning bolt. Another advantage of the Bosch is that the direction of
rotor travel allows a simple single control rod with two less adjustments
and less chance of play in the spark retard/advance. Bosch replacement
parts should also be readily available at local parts suppliers.
The distributor does not need the
magneto and, in fact, will not run well on one. So if you have magneto
problems the distributor is a quick and painless solution that offers very
good performance and possibly improved power if your mag or spark coils are
not in top condition. If running 12 volts you will want to place a dropping
resistor in series with the coil to drop the voltage down to 8 volts. This
increases point life.
See you down the road…
