Spark Plugs; Distributors - Lincoln Continental 1964 Shop Manual

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PART 9-1-GENERAL IGNITION SYSTEM SERVICE 9-21
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CLEANING AND INSPECTION
SPARK PLUGS
Clean the plugs on a sand blast
cleaner, following the manufacturer's
instructions. Do not prolong the use
of the abrasive blast as it will erode
the insulator. Remove carbon and
other deposits from the threads with
a stiff wire brush. Any deposits will
retard the heat flow from the plug to
the cylinder head causing spark plug
overheating and pre-ignition.
Clean the electrode surfaces with
a small file (Fig. 3 7) . Dress the elec-
trodes to secure flat parallel surfaces
on both the center and side electrode.
After cleaning, examine the plug
carefully for cracked or broken in-
sulators, badly pitted electrodes, and
other signs of failure. Replace as re-
quired.
Examine the firing ends of the
spark plugs, noting the type of de-
posits and the degree of electrode
erosion. Refer to Fig. 38 for the vari-
ous types of spark plug fouling and
their causes.
DISTRIBUTORS
Soak all parts of the distributor
assembly (except the condenser,
breaker point assembly, lubricating
wick, vacuum diaphragm, distributor
base oil seal, and electrical wiring)
in a mild cleaning solvent or mineral
spirits. Do not use a harsh cleaning
solution. Wipe all parts that can not
be immersed in a solvent with a clean
dry cloth.
After foreign deposits have been
loosened by soaking, scrub the parts
with a soft bristle brush. Do not use
a wire brush, file, or other abrasive
object. Dry the parts with compressed
air.
Examine the bushing surface of
the distributor shaft and the bushing
for wear. The dual advance distrib-
utor has one bushing. The minimum
allowable shaft diameter at the bush-
ing is 0.4675 inch and the maximum
allowable inside diameter of the bush-
ing is 0.4690 inch. Replace worn
parts.
Inspect the distributor cam lobes
for scoring and signs of wear. If any
lobe is scored or worn, replace· the
cam assembly. •
Inspect the breaker plate assembly
for signs of distortion. In addition,
inspect the stationary sub-plate for
worn nylon contact buttons. Replace
the breaker plate assembly if it is de-
fective.
The breaker point assembly and
condenser (if so equipped) should
be replaced whenever the distributor
is overhauled.
Inspect all electrical wiring for
fraying, breaks, etc., and replace any
that are not in good condition.
Check the distributor base for
cracks or other damage.
Check the diaphragm housing,
bracket and rod for damage. Check
the vacuum line fitting for stripped
threads or other damage. Test the
vacuum fittings, case and diaphragm
for leakage as explained under "Dis-
tributor Tests". Replace all defective
parts.