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FatBoy 12-05-2009 05:34 AM
Electric Shock
 
I checked and reset the ignition on my Cobra last weekend using a newly acquired timing light.
I checked it first to see if it needed adjusting and found it to be slightly advanced, so I stopped the engine and loosened the distributor clamp bolt and restarted it again. However, whenever I tried to move the distributor, I got a huge electric shock from it. :eek: :eek:
I'm sure this shouldn't happen, what's wrong?
I have and MSD 6AL and an MSD Pro Billet distributor. Everything is clean and dry and in good condition and the distributor cap is brand new.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Paul

undy 12-05-2009 05:52 AM
1. A plug wire could have been partially unplugged from the cap/spark plug and you became the new ground when you touched it.

2. The cap may have a crack in it .... and again you became the new ground.

3. (most likely) The plug wires are shot, full of resistance. You body now has less resistance than the wires and once again, you were the new ground.

Dave

patrickt 12-05-2009 06:06 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by FatBoy (Post 1006924)
I'm sure this shouldn't happen, what's wrong?
I have and MSD 6AL and an MSD Pro Billet distributor.
I've had this happen to me to me for decades. I learned many, many years ago that when you adjust the timing it's best to put on one of those yellow Playtex gloves that your wife probably has under the kitchen sink. Even when your wires and cap are pristine, you can still get a nice shock from moving your distributor -- especially in the summer when your hand is covered in sweat and offers up a nice potential for all the juice that's flowing through there. Not having a vac. advance (like most of us) just makes it more likely to get a shock because you have to engulf your hand around the cap to move it.

CHANMADD 12-05-2009 08:33 AM
Ever charged a capacitor and thrown it to your buddy??

patrickt 12-05-2009 08:48 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by CHANMADD (Post 1006967)
Ever charged a capacitor and thrown it to your buddy??
No, but I have been known to say "here, do me a favor and hold this wire while I crank it" just to make sure I had spark. I haven't done that in 30 years though, now it would probably cause a heart attack to some of us.:(

FatBoy 12-05-2009 09:14 AM
Hi Patrick,
Everything appears to be in pristine condition and as I said, the cap is brand new, so I'm happy with your explanation.
Interestingly though, I didn't get a shock when I grabbed the distributor when I didn't have the timing light in my hand, so that may have been a factor. It was a new light, so I took that back to the shop this morning for a refund. :)
Thanks,
Paul


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