I bought an electronic Mallory Unilite for my 39 Flattie- It's the 3 bolt version used for 32 -41 models. I've heard there are a couple of timing adjustments and tricks needed, so I wanted to get some HAMBr's advice before I start bolting this thing on. Thanks, jay
Jay, I don't know anything about your Mallory but you may get some help from the MSN website "1932 thru 1953 Ford Flathead". On the left is a menu, go to the icon for technical info. Look in there for a paper written by Rumbleseat. It's on the original distributors but the settings may be similar. Best I can do! Blown49
Keep us posted on how it works out. I've been thinking about ponying up the dough for that same set up and I want to know if its worth it.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone... If anyone decides to buy one, Century Performance (RENO, NV) sells them cheaper than anybody! $255 retail- Speedway and the rest charge $325 and up.
So I'm finally getting ready to bolt the distributor on today, and guess what? It's built wrong! The holes don't line up with the mounting plate on my motor. the 3 bolt distributor only goes on one way, and the dist. cap only goes on one way, so you can't install it wrong. When I line up the holes correctly, the coil lead on the cap is pointing at 5 o' clock and the right bank of leads on the cap point right onto the fan pulley! I'll have to post pics, to help illustrate, but basically the dist. base was machined or pressed inccorectly... I've got 5 days to finish up for Paso! Good thing I kept my ol' diver's helmet distributor...
FYI; Pertronix is nearing release of an Igniter electronic conversion for the '42 Crab dist. They will be available for 6 or 12 volt, pos or neg ground systems. One of their sales distributors is www.thepitstopgary.com This will be under $100, he also sells the adapter plate to install a 2-bolt crab on a 3-bolt '32-'41 timing cover. He's a very nice 80 year old man in Gary,Tx.
Are ya' running a generator or alternator? Off the flathead web sites I've read that these Unilites don't like generators. Something about power spikes that kill the electronics. I still run points, but that Petronix conversion sounds like the hot set-up!
I've use one on a 48 engine, there are issues with the fan belts on that engine, but I had no problem bolting it to the engine. The plug wires fouled the stock fan belt on a 48. The coil ****** on the cap should be up, and point to the left. It almost sounds like it's upside down. Mallory has a voltage spike suppressor that you should use with it when running a generator, I used that too. I vacuum timed the engine since there are no timing marks, time it for the highest vacuum at idle, and then back it off 1" of vacuum, and tighten it down, works great. Best starting flathead I ever had. It has 2 97's on a Barrons intake, and Barrons heads
Other things to help the longevity of the Unilite module: -Run their surge filter -Do not use solid tube-type plug wire looms -Run an electronic voltage regulator w/generator Sorry this doesn't address your problem, sounds like it needs to be sent back & a new one obtained.
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