Mallory Ignition Mallory MAGNETIC BREAKERLESS DISTRIBUTOR User Manual
MAGNETIC BREAKERLESS
DISTRIBUTOR
This product is applicable to pre-1966 California and pre-1968 federally certified passenger cars. It is also applicable to
non-emission controlled trucks and similar vehicles. It is not applicable or intended for use on any emission controlled vehicles
operated on highways or roads, unless otherwise noted.
IMPORTANT: Before installing the Magnetic Breakerless Ignition System, make sure that the vehicle is equipped with an
ignition ballast resistor (or loom resistance wire) in the wire between the ignition switch and the coil (+) terminal. Check a
service manual for your vehicle to locate the ignition ballast resistor (or loom resistance wire). If your vehicle is not equipped
with an ignition ballast resistor, install a Mallory Ignition Ballast Resistor Part No. 700 in the wire between the ignition switch
and the coil (+) terminal. Failure to use an ignition ballast resistor will result in the eventual destruction of the Ignition Module.
Exception: If your vehicle is equipped with a HYFIRE® Electronic Ignition Control or similar aftermarket ignition control, use the
wiring procedures as stated in the instructions for the ignition control.
WARNING: Mallory’s Magnetic Breakerless Ignition System is not compatible with positive ground or
6-volt vehicle electrical systems.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Advance Curve:
Most Magnetic Breakerless Distributors with part numbers
that end in 01 have 24˚ (crankshaft degrees) of mechanical
advance (between 3,000 and 3,200 RPM). Listed below are
exceptions:
CHRYSLER SB V8 20 AT 3,000 RPM
FLAT HEAD FORD V8 16 AT 3,600 RPM
Ignition Coils:
The Magnetic Breakerless Ignition system is designed to
work with most stock ignition coils and aftermarket high
performance ignition coils. For optimum performance in
applications without a Mallory HyFire or comparable
ignition, use a Mallory coil 29219, 29450 or 30450.
Spark Plug Gaps:
For street applications, use your engine
manufacturers specifications. For racing applications, start
with your engine manufacturers specifications, then
experiment with and closely monitor various gaps to
achieve maximum performance.
Electric Welding:
Unplug the distributor wire harness before welding on the
vehicle.
Spark Plug Wires:
YOU MUST USE suppression type (carbon core;
spiral core; radio suppression core) spark plug wire. We
recommend spiral core ignition wire, such as Mallory PRO
SIDEWINDER® Ignition Wire. Suppression type spark plug
wires prevent false triggering and the possibility of
premature ignition or accessory failures. DO NOT USE solid
core (copper core; stainless steel core) spark plug wire
with any electronic ignition system or accessory. Solid
core spark plug wire causes radio frequency interference
FORM 1185 05/05
(ignition noise; static). Radio frequency interference causes
false triggering (preignition; spark scatter) and premature
ignition or accessory failures.
OLD DISTRIBUTOR REMOVAL
Step 1
Disconnect the trigger wire from the coil (ñ) terminal.
Step 2
Locate the spark plug wire on the original distributor cap
that the engine timing is set from. See a service manual for
these locations. Mark the distributor cap and the
distributor housing, in line with this spark plug wire position
on the distributor cap.
Step 3
Turn the engine crankshaft in the direction of rotation until
the timing mark lines up with the top dead center (TDC)
mark on the timing tab. See a service manual for these
locations. NOTE: Removing the spark plugs may make it
easier to turn the crankshaft.
Step 4
Remove the distributor cap from the distributor. Do not
remove the spark plug wires or coil wire at this time. The
rotor blade should point to the mark made on the
distributor housing (from Step 2). If it is not, turn the engine
crankshaft in the direction of rotation one full turn
(repeating Step 3) until the timing mark lines up (again) with
the TDC mark on the timing tab.
NOTE: Once you are finished with Step 4, DO NOT turn
the crankshaft until the new distributor is installed.
Step 5
Note the direction the rotor is pointing. If you are replacing
a vacuum advance distributor, note the direction the
vacuum chamber is pointing. Remove the distributor hold
down clamp and remove the distributor from the engine.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
®
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Parts Included in this kit: 1 Magnetic Breakerless Distributor 1 Distributor Wire Harness
MAGNETIC BREAKERLESS
DISTRIBUTOR INSTALLATION
Step 1
Prepare the distributor by removing the distributor
cap.
Step 2
Place the distributor in the engine with the rotor
pointing in the same general direction as the original
distributor.
If equipped with vacuum advance, place the
distributor in the engine with the rotor and vacuum
chamber pointing in the same general direction as the
original distributor.
If the old distributor did not have a vacuum chamber,
place the distributor in the engine with the rotor
pointing in the same general direction as the original
distributor did, and point the vacuum chamber in a
direction that will allow movement for timing
purposes.
NOTE: The distributor must be fully seated into the engine. It
may be necessary to turn the oil pump drive, or turn the
engine crankshaft in the direction of rotation two full turns
until the timing mark lines up (again) with the TDC mark on
the timing tab, to allow the distributor to seat fully.
Step 3
Rotate the distributor housing in the opposite
direction of rotor rotation until the nearest tooth of the
reluctor is pointing directly at the center of the metal
pole on the magnetic pickup. This will generally put
timing close enough for starting purposes. Put the
distributor hold down clamp in place and tighten
slightly, leaving it loose enough to turn the distributor.
Make a mark on the distributor housing where the
rotor points.
Step 4
Install the distributor cap. Remove the spark plug
wire on the original distributor cap that the engine
timing is set from, and install it onto the distributor
cap post above the mark on the distributor housing
where the rotor had pointed. Continue installing each
remaining spark plug wire, one at a time, from the
original distributor cap to the distributor cap in the
same sequence.
NOTE: It may be necessary to purchase and install distributor
boots and terminals for the spark plug wires to correctly fit
the distributor cap.
WIRING PROCEDURE
Make sure that your vehicle is equipped with an
ignition ballast resistor (or loom resistance wire) in the
wire between the ignition switch and the coil (+)
terminal. One easy way to find the ignition ballast
resistor is to check the service manual for your
vehicle. Example: Vehicles with a Ford TFI or Delco
HEI require adding an ignition ballast resistor in the
wire from the ignition switch. If you find your vehicle
is not equipped with an ignition ballast resistor, install
a Mallory Ignition Ballast Resistor Part No. 700 in
series in the wire from the ignition switch. There are
three wires coming from the distributor that must be
connected using the distributor wire harness
furnished (see Figures 1 and 2).
RED WIRE: If you are using loom resistance wire, connect to the
coil (+) terminal.
If you are using a ballast resistor, connect to 12 volt
side of ballast resistor.
GREEN WIRE: Connect to the coil (-) terminal.
BROWN WIRE: Connect to engine block ground. Clean away any
grease, oil and paint from the mounting surface
before the connection is made.
NOTE: If a HYFIRE®Electronic Ignition Control or other
aftermarket ignition control is being used, connect the
distributor according to the instructions supplied with the ignition control.
ADDITIONAL CONNECTIONS
Vacuum advance applications: Connect original
vacuum hose to the distributor vacuum chamber.
Replace hose if cracked, damaged, or if it is not long
enough. If the previous distributor was not equipped
with vacuum advance, connect a vacuum hose to a
ported vacuum outlet on the carburetor.
Tachometer operation: Connect wire or wires as
recommended by the actual tachometer
manufacturer.
STARTING ENGINE
CAUTION: Be sure all tools, wires and miscellaneous objects
are clear of moving engine parts and extreme heat before
staring the engine.
Step 1
Recheck all wires and connections to make sure they
are correct. Check and clean, or replace spark plugs.
If replacing spark plugs, use types recommended by
the engine manufacturer.
Vacuum advance applications: Disconnect the
vacuum hose to distributor vacuum chamber at the
carburetor and temporarily plug this carburetor fitting.
Step 2
Connect a timing light. Find the area with the best
view of the timing marks.
Step 3
Start the engine. If it fails to start, rotate the
distributor in small increments clockwise or
counterclockwise until engine starts. Do not exceed
more than ten degrees of distributor housing rotation
in either direction.
Step 4
Set timing as recommended by engine manufacturer,
then tighten distributor hold down clamp. Make sure
timing is still correct. If timing has moved, repeat this
procedure.
Step 5
Vacuum advance applications: Reconnect the
vacuum hose between the distributor vacuum
chamber and the carburetor.
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