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Really stupid mallory unilite distributor cap question

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Old 03-31-2014, 10:01 AM
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Really stupid mallory unilite distributor cap question

Sorry if I sound like an idiot but in chasing a rythmic popping from my carb, I believe I have it narrowed down to the ignition. The contacts on the inside of my distributor cap have black burn marks and the bottom of the tab is completely flat and sits flush with the plastic it is held in by. My question is whether the contacts are supposed to be flat or rounded on the bottom. Thanks in advance. I am pretty sure the cap is done I just want a second opinion before I buy something I may not need.
Old 03-31-2014, 01:08 PM
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Re: Really stupid mallory unilite distributor cap question

If I remember right they were a flat edge its been yrs though.

May wanna ck and see if your cam isnt going flat
Old 03-31-2014, 01:20 PM
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Car: 90 formula, 89 formula 350 vert
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Re: Really stupid mallory unilite distributor cap question

Ok thanks. I don't think the cam is flat as it is a roller and I took both valve covers off and turned the motor over by hand. All the rocker arms moved as they should. Also verified timing was at 8 degrees btdc and I sprayed starting fluid around to check for vacuum leaks. The carb was also checked out and no gunk was built up. This popping pretty much happened all of a sudden after running rough at stop lights last time the car was driven. Also there is fuel vapor shooting out of the primaries when revved if that points to any other problems.
Old 03-31-2014, 04:32 PM
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Car: 90 formula, 89 formula 350 vert
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Re: Really stupid mallory unilite distributor cap question

Basically all I want to know is whether the contacts on this cap look normal. To me they look worn down but I do not remember what they are supposed to look like.
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Old 03-31-2014, 05:01 PM
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Re: Really stupid mallory unilite distributor cap question

Looks like the rotor is hitting, do you have the correct one? I think it was the rotor for the side terminal cap/crab style that was a little longer. This type (I built this one myself from a normal unilite and a cap and had to machine the housing)

Old 03-31-2014, 08:24 PM
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Re: Really stupid mallory unilite distributor cap question

TT where did you get your pulley and bracket setup any info/ more pics on them?
Old 04-02-2014, 06:49 PM
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Re: Really stupid mallory unilite distributor cap question

Thanks for the help twin turbo. I bought the distributor off ebay 2 years ago with a cap and rotor. After your suggestion I bit the bullet and bought a new cap and rotor which revealed the rotor was the wrong one. The cap also had a corroded terminal on the top which more than likely caused my problem. Put the parts on and went to start my car but now have no spark. Now I seem to have a dead coil, if its not one thing..
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