IML: plug wires for a 68?? or how far can you throw a distributor?

["Michael O. Mann" <mann340s@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

All,

First my serious question: can somebody tell me if my wires WERE correct?
Each was a Chrysler electronic suppression wire, all were old and stiff, but
some had straight boots at the plugs, some elbowed boots.  The routing was
correctly done, and each boot seemed appropriate to the plug location.  If
this is correct, can I still get a correct set from Chrysler, or
aftermarket?  Also, for those with 67-68, and maybe later cars, what wires,
and from where?  I don't intend to pay for date coded wires, but would like
a set that both looks correct and fits properly.  Half inch (I guess that
would be 13mm) monster wires in neon colors doesn't do it for me.

Anyway, yesterday was my first opportunity to diddle with the 68.  It ran,
but with a miss, when I got it off the truck a couple of weeks ago.  Started
draining the oil and went under the hood.  Five plugs were gas fouled.  I
put a new set of Champions in, then found my first problem.  Pulled the
distributor cap.  NO condenser.  I didn't think that was possible.  Points
were badly burned; expected that.  I pulled the dist, after marking the
rotor position.  Cleaned it well, checked the vacuum advance, installed high
quality points and condenser.  Put the distributor back in, moved wires to a
new distributor cap, fixed the nonfunctioning choke spring, added filter and
oil, and got ready.  Really had expectations of significant improvement.  No
joy.  It lit off, but backfired, bucked, coughed, and died.  I checked and
found two wires, two and four, backward.  Tried again with the same result,
except it never actually ran again.  In desperation, I pulled the
distributor and turned the rotor 180.  Same result, but without the
excessive bucking. After some effort, I finally destroyed all the wires in
the removal process.  I did find the distributor later.  I hope I managed to
install the dist backward, though I don't know how it's possible.

When I try again, I will give in and find TDC on #1 at compression, and
install wires and distributor to that.

Comments on wires, the missing condenser, or slow breathing techniques
appreciated.

Michael




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