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Distributor Cap contact nicks?

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Old Jun 1, 2025 | 09:01 AM
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Default Distributor Cap contact nicks?

Before I just blindly replace the it... what's going on with the nicks in the distributor cap contact?

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Old Jun 1, 2025 | 09:05 AM
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Possible that your distributor shaft bushings are worn.

Ted
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Old Jun 1, 2025 | 09:08 AM
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Electrolysis deposits from the spark jumping the gap between the rotor tip and dizzy cap contacts. The rotor cap tip will have the same.
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Old Jun 1, 2025 | 09:44 AM
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My guess is factory defects. Other not likely problems, cap not latched on squarely, rotor contact, bushings worn, etc. but would expect it to be chipped across the total face of the contacts.
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Old Jun 1, 2025 | 09:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Easy Rhino
Electrolysis deposits from the spark jumping the gap between the rotor tip and dizzy cap contacts. The rotor cap tip will have the same.
It’s basically showing you that it’s time for a new cap.
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Old Jun 1, 2025 | 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by old stingray
It’s basically showing you that it’s time for a new cap.
We used to just file them lightly to smooth them out, including the rotor button contact, just like we filed points back in the day, and kept using them. Just don't significantly reduce the contact thickness, as that would increase the gap the spark needs to travel. As long as the engine is firing correctly, they're fine even if not pretty after awhile.
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Old Jun 1, 2025 | 10:51 AM
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I guess I just never noticed it before. I'm going with "factory defect". Order a ACDelco Distributor Cap - D308R. Made in Warren Michigan or Kung Pow... I'll check either way
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Old Jun 3, 2025 | 01:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Easy Rhino
We used to just file them lightly to smooth them out, including the rotor button contact, just like we filed points back in the day, and kept using them. Just don't significantly reduce the contact thickness, as that would increase the gap the spark needs to travel. As long as the engine is firing correctly, they're fine even if not pretty after awhile.
I did the same years ago,had to stretch every dollar?
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Old Jun 3, 2025 | 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by gjhinc
I guess I just never noticed it before. I'm going with "factory defect". Order a ACDelco Distributor Cap - D308R. Made in Warren Michigan or Kung Pow... I'll check either way
Mexico? Ok, whatever. At least it's perfect inside and out.


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