Early Style Distributor Wanted for Atomic 4

[vonheine]

Hello to all: I am trying to find an early style mechanical advance distributor for an Atomic 4. I want the nostalgic look of the Prestolite version that uses spring clips to hold the distributor cap on to the body. I do not want the late Delco version that uses 4 screws to hold the cap on. I am also not interested in a distributor that has a vacuum advance mechanism. I want the classic unit that uses old fashioned points , rotor, and a condenser with a mechanical advance. Some of these early style distributors operated with the condenser screwed to the outside of the distributor body while other early style units had room for the condenser under the cap, protected from the weather. My preference is to find an early style unit that has the condenser under the distributor cap. Thank you: Joseph 781-249-4478, text or call

[Dave Neptune]

There were no vac advances supplied with the A-4 as it is a load duty engine!

If you do find the dist of your choice go for the EI unless it has a "new out of the box cam" as setting of the points will be a big problem without a dwell meter!

Dave Neptune

[Dave Neptune]

Oops

vonhein, welcome to the MMI Forum.

Dave Neptune

[Sam]

I have learned and benefited from some real pros on this site over the past few years and as a result have sort of become the go to A4 engine guy in our harbor. I have had an early model 1966 A4 for the last 43 years, with the smaller prestolite distributor, points etc and have over time picked up a couple of used ones that I have used for some parts. In that time I have never seen a prestolite dizzy with the condenser inside the snap on cap, don't think there is room in there? [different w/ late model Delco dizzys]. Our host Moyer used to sell rebuilt prestolites, but stopped due to lack of part sourcing. I believe they do have some rebuilts left w/EI however and if you were dead set on nostalgia [instead of upgrading] you could switch out the plate, condenser would probably be still on the outside. I don't think there is much difference with the condenser inside the cap vs on the side inside engine compartment relative to weather/ or conditions. I change mine periodicaly with points wear and have only had one fail in all that time.
I'd like to expand my knowledge if you have pic of a small prestolite with a condenser inside the cap. good luck.

[Administrator]

Thanks for this post, Sam, and congratulations on your appointment as an Afourian MVP.

Sam has been a member for nine years. This post is a good example of why his contributions deserve this recognition.

Bill

[Sam]

It is unusual for me to be at lost for words but I am. Sailing is great in Chicago but the season is short. I'll just say thank you and thanks to all of the site contributors that have helped me and friends enjoy my old boat steadily with very minimal engine downtime all these past years.

[vonheine]

Thank you to all

The early Prestolites definitely have the condenser on the outside of the distributor. I thought the next generation Prestolites were a slightly larger diameter and had room for the condenser on the inside under the cap. If I am incorrect than I shall learn. Thank you for your input.