Distributor wire replacement...

I'm cleaning up my distributor before ***embling my engine and noticed the two cloth covered ground wires are in pretty bad shape. The wire is exposes in areas and the cloth is oily. I did a search, but didn't find any info on what type of wire to use as a replacement. Will any wire of the appropriate Gage work?

sorry for the bad pic, camera is on its last leg

 

yes.

 

if they are ground wires and not frayed i wouldnt worry about it. replacing them with any ol plastic covered wire might be too stiff and hang up the vac advance....

 

Looks like '49 Ford type distributor?? Replace them--common cause for walking home, there. There's also a plastic bushing where the hot wire feed comes through the case that should be carefully cleaned and inspected. Both wires are essential to your mobility, as plate ground is very sketchy without the wire. You want better than average wire for flexibility and hence durability--the cheap wire of given gauge (16 or maybe 14 here?) will have a few large strands, you want lots of little strands since these things flex everytime advance changes. I'd get used OEM wire before I'd use Kmart wire here. Don't ever cut corners on anything involving ignition on an old car--that's where reliability and durability problems come from.

 

The distributor is for my 56 Buick's 322, the wires are pretty frayed, i would definately want to replace them. I'll see if I can use the ones off my spare motor, but if not, do you guys have any suggestions as to where I can get some quality wire like you suggested?

 

I wound mine with cotton thread, coated it with thinned rubber cement. Has worked for two years.

 

I replaced these wires on several distributors using the wire used to de-solder with. I don't know what it's called but any "wire bender" ought to be able to tell you what it's called. It comes on small rolls - is made up of a 'zillion' strands is extrememly flexible (which is key) - I then covered it with some small clear tubing - not sure of origion - it made for a VERY flexible package.

I'm sure any electrical supply place _ even McMaster-Carr type places can sell you the "right" wire - match the gauge and be sure to get "HIGH FLEX" wire - it'll have probably 3 or 4 times as many strands as "normal" wire.

Another place to source it is to use wire from METER LEADS - this is SUPER HIGH FLEX stuff and is easy to get.

 

I have the de-solder wire, i'll check that out, or maybe wire leads like you said.

Does anybody have some the 'correct' wire around, i'd hate to have to buy a whole spool for a 6" job. I could send over a couple bucks if poss.

 

Solder wick? You should be able to find a good multi strand wire at any hardware store or good parts place.

Flatman

 

I have a box full of those wires for various apps. Post a pic of the wire and a length and I will see if I have what you need.

Dan

 

Dan, If you do have these around I would really appreciate it. The picture isn't freat, but you can see how bad they are. I''l send you over a PM