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Author Topic: Shocked when I touch the distributor  (Read 1841 times)

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Saltshaker

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Shocked when I touch the distributor
« on: April 05, 2019, 01:59:45 PM »
Factory distributor with a pretronix and new cap and wires. Getting a shock when I touch the cap while adjusting the timing??
Jon
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DubyaTF

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Re: Shocked when I touch the distributor
« Reply #1 on: April 05, 2019, 02:53:36 PM »


   How good is your engine ground to the body and frame? Maybe one of the plug wires is jumping spark through the boot at the cap?
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Jeff

urchinhead

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Re: Shocked when I touch the distributor
« Reply #2 on: April 06, 2019, 10:19:04 AM »
I would use a continuity tester to check that everything is actually grounded, and replace ground  wiring, scrape paint, etc. first, as you are the ground when getting shocked.

If that does not solve the problem, check the coil and all spark plug wires to make sure they are installed properly and not damaged.
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FB

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Re: Shocked when I touch the distributor
« Reply #3 on: April 07, 2019, 09:21:51 PM »
this is just shocking...... :o


just couldn't resist
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Fred

Nightmist66

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Re: Shocked when I touch the distributor
« Reply #4 on: April 08, 2019, 12:52:47 AM »
Quote from: FB on April 07, 2019, 09:21:51 PM
this is just shocking...... :o


just couldn't resist


Prolly what originally sparked the OP's interest.....
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Falcon67

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Re: Shocked when I touch the distributor
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2019, 09:30:25 AM »
Maybe carbon tracking in the cap or you have some leakage through the cap/wires/etc on the cap.  Ground doesn't matter, you'll be an alternate path anyway even if the engine is grounded well to the frame.  Start it up at night in a good dark spot and look for corona discharges around the cap and/or wires.

To use a "medical" analogy - my prescription would be "Then. don't touch that.  That'll be $50, pay the receptionist."
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