Distributor cap problem

Yes, 1748, I also thought of that. But the unit fits into a brass sleeve that has plenty of conductivity around the perimeter of the spring-loaded carbon. <!-- s:idea: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_idea.gif" alt=":idea:" title="Idea" /><!-- s:idea: -->

I find this an interesting topic. A few weeks ago I was visiting with a club member that owns 11 Cords. He showed me something interesting about these carbon pieces in the 812 distributor caps. He said just open up a &quot;C&quot; battery and remove the carbon. Cut it down to fit and you're all set. As for the spring I have no idea. also as for the JB Weld to hold the spring in place I would be cautious about that. I do not know what the conductivity is for the JB Weld. That spring needs to allow coil voltage to flow thru the spring to the carbon and then thru the carbon to the rotor. Otherwise this seems like a great restoration tip that should be added to the forum about Restoration Tips..

JM: Yes, I thought that might be the reason it was coming loose, good point. I used a small dab of JB Weld and jammed the spring back into the hole. Then used JB weld to stick the carbon back onto the spring. Let it cure overnight and tried it. Works well so far. (I also put a small amount of electrical grease on the rotor contact to reduce friction)
Mark

Here is an engineering question - I know several non-Auburn cars used look alike caps, though does the distributor turn in a different direction on those cars - the spring could be acting as a &quot;thread&quot; (like a nut or bolt) and one direction could tighten and the other direction could loosen. I had a discussion with Curt a couple of months ago and he said he has had several come loose after a few miles and has not really been successful with these caps of getting the carbon piece to stay in thereafter.

I have bought caps at Hershey that were cheap, $1 to $5. that had the right size carbon.
Cordially Mike

Thanks, Pete! Never would have thought they'd be available thru standard auto parts stores.

NAPA has them
Pete

In the past, I have purchased NOS distributor caps off Ebay. (1935-36 Auburn) They look new, but for some reason, the little spring-loaded carbon contact has fallen out of two of my caps after installation &amp; running. Has anyone been able to source these little carbons w/spring? Seems a shame to discard the entire cap because of this defect...

Mark