Need help with Mallory Uni-Lite distributor/ProMaster Coil combo

[bobcowan]

Originally Posted by YerDugliness

Sure sounds like what I need...something burned the coil wire electrode inside the distributor cap right off...the underside of the cap looked like oxidized magnesium where the electrode had been.
Most likely a voltage spike. My volt-meter is fairly stable...jumps a volt or two if I turn off the puller fan on the radiator, but otherwise no evidence of voltage spikes. I don 't think the ammeter works...never varies from the 0 at the center of the gauge.

Thanks, Bob!!

Dugly

Oddly enough, I'v heard of and experienced the center electrode in the distributor cap leaving for another dimension. I'v heard of it on MSD's, and I'v experienced it on a Mallory.

When I had a distributor, I carried a spare cap, rotor, and module everywhere; along with the tools needed to replace them in the same bag.

The ammeter is probably working correctly. What it measures is the amount of amps produced above or below the required amount. An alternator only produces as many amps as is required - no more and no less. If you had a 250A alternator in a car that needs 35A, it's only going to produce 35A. The meter will read zero, because that's all that is needed. It essentially measures over and under production of electricity.

That's why most people install a volt meter, it gives you a better idea of what's going on with the charging system.