Need help with my distributor

[Miles]

My distributor is a bit rusty and Im fairly certain it’s causing my car to not get spark. Does anyone know how I can test it, and if it’s not working what to do to fix it? Its off a 1953 chieftain with the 4.4 L.

[Fitzy]

Riiight....uh, hi Miles. Completely disassemble it and wirebrush, derust and clean everything. A little emery cloth on the end of the rotor tip to make it shiny, NEW points & capacitor (or upgrade to electronic - will make your life way simpler) and check the advance canister to ensure it's moving the points plate. Ensure the shaft has no free play and that the points cam is not worn and has a hint of high temp grease on it. If there's ANY doubt as to it's condition, ditch it and upgrade. Not too expensive an exercise. My 389 distributor looked a mess too but I persevered and made it shine. Works perfectly.

As far as spark goes, you need a good earth and from what I can see, you ain't got NO earth! Enjoy!

[Miles]

9 hours ago, Fitzy said:

Riiight....uh, hi Miles. Completely disassemble it and wirebrush, derust and clean everything. A little emery cloth on the end of the rotor tip to make it shiny, NEW points & capacitor (or upgrade to electronic - will make your life way simpler) and check the advance canister to ensure it's moving the points plate. Ensure the shaft has no free play and that the points cam is not worn and has a hint of high temp grease on it. If there's ANY doubt as to it's condition, ditch it and upgrade. Not too expensive an exercise. My 389 distributor looked a mess too but I persevered and made it shine. Works perfectly.

As far as spark goes, you need a good earth and from what I can see, you ain't got NO earth! Enjoy!

Well thanks! I’ll try that first. If I can’t get it working I’ll get a new one.