{FORGED?} Re: Distributor pickups dying in '75 Hornet

[AMC74Hornet@xxxxxxxxx]

On December 18, 2004 Jim B wrote:

> A: If the "factory" fix hasn't been done (ie: Chopping the dist connector
> off and soldering the wires together) then I would try that first. The
> signal is so weak on that style of ignition system that the slightest
> corrosion at the plug by the dist it would drop to zero and shut off. Often
> just unplugging and replugging the connector would make it start again.
>    Instead of fixing the OEM system, unless it's a "show" car, I would take
> this opportunity to upgrade to a Chev 250 or 292 HEI dist (requires a gear
> swap to work) You can keep the OEM coil if you want (get the cap with
> external coil), but the horseshoe connector on them is crapola too. Heck,
> even a points dist is cheap for AMC 6 cyls. Get them while you can because
> the rebuilders are rapidly depleting their sources and due to low sales,
> they will be no longer rebuilding them soon. (Mine cost me $40 with discount
> for my 304)
> 
> 
> From: Roger Blake <rogblake@xxxxxxxxx>
> To: mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Distributor pickups dying in '75 Hornet
> Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.61.0412181424250.2996@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> 
> I recently had the engine (258) on a '75 Hornet stop dead while it
> was warming up in the driveway. Diagnostics from the factory shop
> manual pointed at the distributor pickup being bad.
> 
> Although I know these Prestolite ignition systems are marginal and
> there are upgrade possibilities, due to having to work on this car
> outside in cold weather I wanted the quickest, easiest fix. Advance
> Auto Parts sells a rebuilt replacement distribuor from A1 Cardone for
> a little over $50, so I ordered one and installed it this afternoon.
> The engine fired right up and ran great for about 60 seconds -- then
> it died.
> 
> Diagnostics showed the same problem: dead pickup in the distributor.
> Anyone know if these ignition systems have a failure mode that can fry
> this thing? (Problem in the control box or the coil?) Obviously I may
> just have had the bad luck to get get a defective part, but it seems
> a little suspicious that the new unit failed so quickly.
> 
> --
>    Roger Blake
> 
> 
>    rogblake@xxxxxxxxx
> 
> 
> .

I agree with Jim. Pop a points dist. in it and go. 
"Doc" A rebuilt dist cost me 40$ for my 74 258 Hornet and I added an Acell super coil. It starts easy and runs great.
"Doc"





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