Small hole on rotor

[Hydrodyner]

Hello all...my Starflite 3 50524 has been darn near impossible to start. I can get it to start by advancing the magneto, but it runs really rough and dies. I checked spark plugs. One looked really good, but the other three looked somewhat fouled. I took off the distributor and found a small crack near one of the front bolt holes. Pulled the rotor and there is a melted hole in the plastic the size of a pinhead on the opposite end of the conductor. Could this be my problem?

 

[F_R]

If you are describing what I think you are describing, then absolutely. It's a wonder it continues to start at all. The spark is arcing between the metal strap and the shaft (and burned that hole through as it did so). Actually, it is quite common and well known. New rotors have a small gob of dielectric grease in the cavity to help prevent the problem. FYI, there are two rotors that look similar. Make sure you get the correct one.

 

[Joe Reeves]

As F_R states..... Get the proper rotor.

The magneto rotor has a weird hook like looking business end. (580260)

The automotive Ignition one has a straight squared off looking business end. (580338)

The two are not interchangeable!

 

[Hydrodyner]

I appreciate it. I ordered a NOS 580260. I hope this will get me on the right track. I figured if it wasn't the problem it was at leat contributing to the problem. The plug wires look original, thought about just changing them while I'm at it. Already changed points and condenser. I guess the coil could be going bad as well?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Wait until you get the rotor as it may very well be the only problem you have. The coil, if it is faulty, would usually be cracked and that would be obvious. The plug wires have screw in brass terminals that actually screw into the distributor caps... unavailable and a PITA to make. Wait for the rotor.

 

[Hydrodyner]

Ay ay captain. I bought a kit a while back with the screw on terminals. I think I read your tutorial some time ago describing the process for making them.

 

[gm280]

I see you are changing the rotor, what about the distributor cap? :noidea:

 

[Hydrodyner]

The cap is slightly cracked, but on the back side of the rotor opposite of the brass electrodes...new OEM cap $269.00. Would this crack also affect spark?

 

[boobie]

Post a pic of it ??

 

[F_R]

Without seeing it, I'd say it won't affect the spark if the crack is a fair distance away from the metal parts. But hard to say, because spark can travel a surprising distance across a surface. Especially if there is dirt or moisture on it.

 

[Hydrodyner]

No Title

I found a NOS OEM distributor assembly with brush and spring on eBay so I snatched it up. I went ahead and made plug wires as well. Better safe than sorry. Thanks everyone for the help...hope she fires right up! Enjoy the 4th, and special thanks to all that served for our freedoms!