Guys, my 263 is being a stubborn pain in the ass. It just won't start. Has fuel, new battery, new coil, new plugs, new dizzy cap. Cant get spark. checked the wiring, circuit seems to be connected up ok. Only thing I haven't checked are the rotor button and points and condenser. These look pretty old. I am hoping by replacing these three things that it will get the old mule to move. Trouble is, I dunno where to source rotor button, points or condenser for the engine. To be honest, I haven't chased these up locally, but every time I go to a spare parts store and tell them what I have, the pimply faced teenager across the counter just goes a pasty white colour and pretends I am not there. Any shops in your neck of the woods that might be able to help me out? Ta dudes.
I have very good luck at NAPA, but don't know if they are Down Under. I would look for stuck points or a bad condensor. Have you checked for spark at the plugs? You can get this neat device that attaches to the plug and will show if it is sparking. Available at any parts store and cheap good luck
I thought you guys liked your beer warm? Yeah, Bob no spark at plugs. Think I know the device you mean. Not a bad idea.
I use Bremi ignition parts , in Aussie they are available from www.performanceignition.com.au Bremi part numbers Rotor 9301 contact points 1301 condenser 3310 same parts also fit Pontiac 8 , 37-42. Condenser is the same for most GM cars of similar years including 48-52 Holden , Vauxhall 57-65 Points cross reference with 56-59 Nash and Hudson and Studebaker 51-59 ( also condenser)
Thank you, sir! That is great info right there. Thank you all. this is exactly why I am such a big fan of this place You guys just make the experience so less painful.
Little plug for these guys as well, particularly for any Aussies http://allamericanautoparts.com.au/ Quick response to.
Hi Guys, In the US is "Bobs Automobilia" also a good Adress for old Buickparts. I have ordered there some Parts without Problems Jens
http://www.oldbuickparts.com/catalog/ or http://bobsautomobilia.com/ is always a good place to look if you cant fint it. Ebay may also work. I had some problems with getting a spark on my 320 engine and the problems was that the coil got grounded by the bracket. Its currently being fastened by some rubber bolts and are working. That was on a Pertronix coil and not the original one.
ta mate. 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font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} </style> <![endif]-->[FONT="]Antique Motor Spares in Adelaide Interesting problem with your coil being grounded. Mine is bolted directly to the block. Do you think this could be the problem? Never really thought about that... [/FONT]
Mine was also bolted directly to the block. It might be a try to just unbolt it and try it while having the coil in the air ( by hand or some wires etc). Does the coil get any feed? If, disconnect the ground and hold the distributor side of the ignition cable a few milimeters from the motor block. Then ground the coil and see if there is a spark between the block and the ignition cable. There should be one every time you ground it. If that works the problem should be in the distributor. I hope you understood the messy troubleshooting guide
I use bobsautomobilia.com or hagensautoparts.com Hagen's is local to me so I get a lot from them, but they do most of their business via mail-order. They have a great selection of mechanical parts for just about any old american car or truck, if they don't have it in stock, they can probably find it, or at least remanufacture your original part. Bobs has just about everything you could ever need for Buicks, mechanical and cosmetic.
Hey Hugh, I swapped my original ignition for an electronic one. I noticed a big difference. I am pretty sure it was a petronix kit. Good luck! Chuck
Yeah, have bought stuff of Bobs before. Always delivers. I am interested in that petronix kit, tho. Will do some reading. thanks dudes.
Thanks for the heads up on the pertronix unit, Chuck. I have ordered one from the USA. (the 1183 unit which I believe will suit my 12 volt converted straight 8) Can't wait to hook it up. Is it a painless experience? Cheers mate. Jeez, I am owing a lot of guys an awful lot of beers lately
1183 is the right one for 12 v on a straight 8. The installation is painless and fast. Just hook it up and drive. Dont leave the ignition on for a long time without the engine running, that might overheat the pertronix.
Wow! Check out the room left in there! No points! No condenser! No time wasting on point adjustment...which means more time for....beer! Thnx for the pic, mate.