Problem Solving

The Motor at the home place had shut off the previous two nights, then shut off around lunch time, and then about 10 minutes later. Having ruled out everything else, we start to focus on the distributer. It is usually the last thing to look at because it is the most expensive part to replace.
While this wire which brings positive current to the distributer is bad, it is not the problem, as the motor would not run at all without it. I go ahead and replace it while Dad gets his bag o' distributer parts.

Once inside the , however the problems are obvious. The surprising thing is how relatively well the engine had been running in this condition. Off to town for a new distributer.

Here's the distributer out of the engine.

The distributer is actually the easiest thing in the world to change, as it is only held in place by one bolt and pulls straight out. The trick is to get everything in the exact same position (so you are firing the right spark plug at the right time.)

Dad fine tunes the timing. This is done by turning the distributer very gradually while the engine is running at full speed.

I tighten down the retaining bolt (and collar) and we are done.