Pertronix Distributor Cap & Rotor

[tkb289]

Had a problem recently where my ERA FIA was not running very well, turned out to be the distributor cap and rotor.

Here is what happened. Running a 302 with a Pertronix flame thrower distributor and Pertronix coil and now have about 3,800 miles on the motor. At around 3,700 miles the motor started running a bit rough at lower RPMs, but rev it up a bit and it ran great. It steadily got worse after about 100 miles and got to the point where the motor would hardly run. I was actually headed lippy's house to see his new 427 ERA (BTW ... it's a beauty) and I just barely made it. After a few minutes of looking for something obvious, loose wires and the like, I pulled the distributor cap. What I found (and should have taken a photo) was on the center contact of the rotor, some thick black material, almost like oil but just in that one area. I wiped it off, put the cap back on and the motor started right up and ran petty well.

I have installed a new distributor cap and rotor and went for a short drive, the motor runs a lot better now and is back to the way is was before this happened. I should add that overall I have been happy with the performance and look of the Pertronix distributor and coil setup.


I have some observations and questions for you guys, photos are below.

- The underside of the cap is fairly clean and very dry, no evidence of moisture. However, there is some corrosion or oxidation on the contacts. The tip of the rotor is not too bad, but the center contact has a pit (and had that black goop on it).

- When I removed the rotor, I noticed that the springs for the weights are rusty, along with part the base plate. The weights move freely and there is a bit of grease here and there to help them move.


Questions …

Around 3,800 miles seems a bit quick (at least to me) for the cap and rotor to have issues like this.

- Is this expected for these parts?

- Has anyone else had a similar experience?

- What would cause the thick black material on the rotor center contact? My guess is probably the contact point from the cap wearing away?

- What would cause the 'corrosion' on the contacts or is that just arcing?

- The rusty springs and rust inside the distributor, anyone else seen this?

- Any recommendations as to what to put on the rust areas & best way to clean and lube, or just leave it alone?

- Comments or suggestions?

Thanks !!!


tkb

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Old rotor and new rotor



Old cap



New cap



Rust on springs



Other rust areas