1956 AMC Hudson Technical Service Manual Supplement

ELECTRICAL 21
However, this assembly requires very little maintenance
other than lubrication at regular intervals.
Disassembly of this unit should be attempted only when
removed from the distributor. Otherwise, parts will drop
into the distributor bowl when the stabilizing spring post
assembly is released, necessitating removal and disassembly
of the entire distributor. To disassemble the breaker
plate assembly, release the C-shaped retainer washer and
the spiral stabilizing spring from the post. The stabilizing
post and bearing washer can then be removed from the
support plate. Remove the retainer washer from the center
bearing and separate the movable breaker plate from the
support plate. (Take care that the small side spring is not
dislodged from its recess in the edge of the center hole in
the support plate. This spring helps to prevent any side play
in the breaker plate assembly and also contributes to the
over-all tension of the assembly.) Reassembly is the reverse
of disassembly. After reassembly of this unit, two checks
are required. The stabilizing spring tension (Fig. 3) is
measured with the breaker plate assembly right side up in a
horizontal position. Apply a spring scale (either push type
or a pull type with a "C" hook) at the stabilizing spring post,
and note the force required to start vertical movement of the
post. This force should be not less than 18 ounces or more
than 24 ounces. If necessary, the stabilizing spring force
can be increased by carefully stretching the spring or replacing
it.
It is also necessary to check the friction between the
plates. With the breaker plate assembly right side up in the
horizontal position, rotate the movable breaker plate to the
fully retarded position. Measure the force required to rotate
the movable breaker plate from the fully retarded position
(measure at the bearing to which the vacuum control units
are normally connected). The pull required to rotate the
movable breaker plate should not exceed 15 ounces. Readings
in excess of 15 ounces may be caused by insufficient
lubrication, cupped or distorted upper or lower plate, or dirt
between the plates.
Whenever a complete breaker plate assembly is reinstalled
in the distributor, care must be taken when attaching
the vacuum control linkage. The linkage must be fitted to
the connector bearing on the movable breaker plate so that
there is no upward or downward thrust on the plate when
the vacuum control operates. Also check the clearance, of
the linkage through full travel to be sure that the condenser
or condenser lead does not interfere with the operation of
the assembly.
Replacing Distributor Contact Points
When replacing distributor contact points, particular care
l. With "C" Hook on Top of Post, Note Scale Reading at Start of Post
Movement
FIGURE 3—Checking Breaker Plate Stabilizing
Spring Tension
should be given to:
Assembly of contact support
Assembly of breaker lever and breaker spring
Lubrication
The hinge cap oiler should be filled with light engine oil at
each vehicle lubrication period. Every 5000 miles add a trace
of Delco-Remy Cam and Ball Bearing Lubricant or equivalent
to the breaker cam, place three to four drops of light
engine oil on the wick in the cam shaft under the rotor, one
to two drops on the breaker lever pivot, and three to four
drops to the felt wick between the plates of the vacuum
advance assembly. Wipe off any excess oil appearing on the
breaker plate.
In addition to lubrication, the distributor requires periodic
inspection of the cap and rotor, wiring, breaker points, and
timing.
IGNITION RESISTOR
A Delco-Remy resistor, Model 1927809, is used in the