Re: Re[2]: {Chrysler 300} Elementary ignition question

Further clarification on difference between single and dual point distributors and cap/plug wire locations.

The 'confusion' or 'difference' between single and dual point location of number 1 plug wire stems from the location of the clip that holds the cap on. I'll send pictures in a separate email later today when the kitty cat who is sleeping on the hood of my G wakes up from her mid morning nap so I can get good pictures of the two distributors showing the difference.

In words (for now), if you look at the 'left' mounting screw for the vacuum advance on a dual point, and then look further left from there, you can see another screw that holds the cap clip in place. On a single point distributor, that same screw is in the same place, but it does not hold the cap clip onto the side of the distributor. On the single point, the clip is attached further down below on the casting, and one slot further left away from the vacuum advance. If you're going by cap lip location to get the wires 'right', you'll be in trouble and off by one position. I figured this out when I replaced my dual point with a single to have my dual rebuilt. Now I have to reverse that process to swap in the original now that it's been rebuilt. You're better off aligning wires by the screw that is to the left of the vacuum advance mounting screw than by the clip that holds the cap on. That screw is in the same place on both distributors, but only holds the cap clip on the dual point, not the single.

Once I get the pictures taken, I'll verify that what I said is correct, as right now I'm doing it from memory.

On Thu, Jul 31, 2025 at 8:25 PM Carl Bilter <cbilter@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Didn't work as in doesn't start? Tach drive distributor (F I assume?). Still breaker points, correct? I have found that on this dual point distributor the #1 wire would go on the distributor cap tower that is the second one clockwise from the clip that holds the cap on. Looks like it's attached one tower clockwise (like a single point distributor or an electronic ignition, which has the vacuum can at a different angle than on the dual point). The engine actually doesn't care where the wires are on the cap, as long as the firing order is correct and aligned with the rotor properly. With the tach drive distributors you have to get the vacuum advance can aligned such that it is somewhere between the ram and the radiator hose. -if you are off by one tower in either direction (but correct firing order), the vacuum can will either be way back by the ram (retarded) or cocked way over to the right (advanced) and maybe hitting the radiator hose or the tach cable stretched too tight.. So, once you get the rotor in proper position for #1, figure out which is the best tower to start with #1. Sometimes two towers clockwise from the clip works best for positioning #1, but YMMV. Also, if someone installs a Pertronix electronic module inside one of these dual point distributors it will change the timing a lot and may require moving all the wires one tower clockwise. Make sure to set timing with vacuum advance disconnected and plugged - makes huge difference! - on G vacuum advance all in at idle!

Carl B.
G and J

------ Original Message ------

From "'Jay Williamson' via Chrysler 300 Club International" <chrysler-300-club-international@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

To "John Grady" <jkg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Cc "club chrysler" <chrysler-300-club-international@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Date 7/31/2025 1:42:08 PM

Subject Re: {Chrysler 300} Elementary ignition question

Well, that didn’t work. Grrr

I put my timing at top dead center so I could look at the rotor and see where cylinder #1 is. From that, I placed plug wires popped off #1. Going on the rotor turning counter clockwise, I placed plug wires #8 to the right of #1. Then followed the rest of the order according to the manual. The only difference is that I have a NOS cap on. What could I have wrong here. I am pointing to where I placed #1 wire.

Thanks for any guidance

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