The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Need to buy distributor 216 who sells the best?

Need a distributor for 216 looking for suggestions for retail sources.


Barn find 1938 chevy pickup. Has oil in pan removed valve cover looks great threw in some marvel oil.

Wired 3 pole switch one grnd one battery one coil

Coil was off replaced with new with built in resistor

Optima battery

Choke.and throttle cables replaced

Starter turns .

Put sparkplug checkerin line ~ no spark.

Fuel at carb. Fuel in pump. Ordered pump at advance auto

Starter fluid.

Took plugs advance sold me

Want new plug wires distributor
hoping for suggestions of best source

Anything I missed?

http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr3/dinokruz/1938%20Chevrolet%20pickup/1938chevytruck.jpg

I picked up a distributor for my 50 at napa auto. They had it on the shelf

Your no spark may be a timing issue, or other.

Check for spark first. Forget about cables, fuel, plugs, etc etc...

Make sure you have voltage at the positive side of the coil when the key is in the on position.

Next remove dist cap and make sure the rotor is turning when the engine cranks over.

Next make sure the points are opening and closing when the engine is cranking.

That's all for now.

Let us know..

No spark is almost always points not making good contact.

I did remove the distribitor cap its turning. I boight the service manual used.

Thanks for the comments I need a little directional guidance. I cleaned tons of trash out of it put on new radiator hoses flushed radiator.

Keep the advice coming I appreciate it

Bypass the key switch and harness with a wire direct from battery (+) to the coil (+), just in case you harness has issues. Sure it will burn points faster with full voltage, but not for quite awhile of testing and running.

Be sure to use fresh fuel, this modern stuff doesn't fire off when it gets old.

If it is the six volt system you should be using a six volt coil with no resistor internal or external.Could be your problem?

If it has been converted to twelve volt then you will need a drop resistor.

I think your next move should be to Get that engine started! Don't "Throw a whole bunch of crap at a wall and hope it all sticks! As you move thru a check list, make sure EACH step works before moving to the next.Good luck and keep us informed about progress and setbacks!
Jerry

Yep, definitely the next move is to get that engine started!!
Seems that's what hes trying to with our help.

Agree w/Pre'58Dave. Points will corrode over time when not used and all it takes is a thin layer of insulation to get them to not conduct. If they don't conduct you'll not have spark.
Clean the contacts or replace the points and gap them correctly then check for spark.
Get one of those cheap sparkplug spark testers.
Static spark test is VERY simple w/a points ign.
1) turn engine until the points are closed.
2) turn key on or otherwise ensure that there is voltage on the coils pos terminal.
3) with the spark tester connected to #1 plug, use a thin piece of wood,plastic or any other non-conducting material stiff enough to manually push th epoints open.
You should see a spark whenever you open the points.
If not, troubleshoot that the points are conducting ( theres several methods to do this), make sure the coil is correct and that it had voltage to it.
Good luck
Dave

My local search for a distrubutor has been without success. Napa said no but adcance said they need a part number and can find something for.me

Anyone have a part number.handy?

I hace another coil that I can try so ill swap that.

I had some kuck with my upper radiator hose replacement but my lower is still.putting up a fight. Im gonna get another with a slightly.larger.od

Thanks again for rookie advice I need all I can get

1937-1939 216 distributors were different from the later 216 distributors (1940-1953).

Group 2.361, part number: 111008

http://www.autopartsobsolete.com/1938-1939-Chevrolet-nos-Delco-distributor-1110008.html

Search on ebay for : distributor 1110008

About $30 (with shipping) - the title/listing is wrong but the part number is right

If you do not buy it within an hour, I will.

What was the difference between 37-39 and 40-53 distributor?
Cam gear?

Thanks for the heads up. I bought it. Hope that didnt leave you short. Thanks again

I tried to give credit on the youtube video to you guys here on stovebolt that helped me with great advice. She started

Now I have to free the clutch.

Would I:
Unbolting the rear end pulling it back to free the driveline and drop the tranny?

Or?

All advice is appreciated