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Physical Difference In Prestolite And Autolite Distributor

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by tcfeet, Oct 30, 2019.

  1. Oct 30, 2019
    tcfeet

    tcfeet Member

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    How can I tell the difference ? There is no tag on the distributor and can't find any numbers or letters
    on it . Its a 64 f134 engine. Is there a "shape" or tell-tell difference in the two?
    Wanting to put a Petronix ignition in and read it depends which one, requires a different unit between the Prestolite and autolite.
     
  2. Oct 30, 2019
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

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    There are differences in how the plate holding the points and condenser attach. Here is a Prestolite. It has a pretty large data plate on the bottom side.

    If that doesn't help I also have an example of an autolite that I could get some photos of.
    IMG-20191030-WA0003.jpg IMG-20191030-WA0004.jpg
     
  3. Oct 30, 2019
    tcfeet

    tcfeet Member

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    The plate does not look the same. The rounded top of the screw tabs that holds the plate down has a small "v"notch on each side of the tab on mine.
    If you have a couple of pictures of the autolite you could post, I would appreciate it. Thanks
     
  4. Oct 30, 2019
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

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    OK I'll try and get some photos for you tomorrow
     
  5. Oct 30, 2019
    tcfeet

    tcfeet Member

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    Thanks.
     
  6. Oct 31, 2019
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

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    IMG-20191031-WA0001.jpg
    OK, here's the other distributor I have. There is no data plate I can find. Its main difference appears to be the tabs on the side that attach the plate to the housing. They are vertical. I think the kit that fits this style is the Pertronix 1548. That is also labeled as being for a Prestolite distributor so perhaps what I have here is a different model Prestolite distributor and not an Autolite.
     
  7. Oct 31, 2019
    tcfeet

    tcfeet Member

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    Thanks kneb, this one looks just like mine. Unless I find more info I will order one and see if it fits..
     
  8. Oct 31, 2019
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

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    I have an autolite and the number on it was not a unit they had kit for. They offer a custom where you send them the unit and they install/make it. They warned me it 'could' be up to $250. But I gambled and they did it for $99. So I'm not sure what the difference is, but not all auto light for F134 are the same. My guess is they used standard parts just had to figure out which ones. Mine is as an IAY 4012 6N off a 58 12 volt FWIW.
     
  9. Nov 1, 2019
    tcfeet

    tcfeet Member

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    Mickey, Where is the numbers located on your distributor ?
     
  10. Nov 1, 2019
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

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    It's on a plate on the side of it. I'll try to get a pic later today. I don't know what the actual differences are between the models, but they 'look' the same to me.
     
  11. Nov 1, 2019
    tcfeet

    tcfeet Member

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    Looks like the plates may have been glued on. I can, find even a pin hole for a fastener on mine.
     
  12. Nov 1, 2019
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

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    Mine was rivited. Day went to hell so didn't get out to garage for pic.
     
  13. Nov 2, 2019
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

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    Here are the pics. Note that this is with the Pertronix installed.

    image.jpg image.jpg
     
  14. Nov 2, 2019
    tcfeet

    tcfeet Member

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    Does the letters "IAY" refer to the mounting plate on the auto-lite and Prestolite ?
     
  15. Nov 2, 2019
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

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  16. Nov 3, 2019
    tcfeet

    tcfeet Member

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    MK, could you give me the measurement from outside to outside of the mounting ears?

    The list the #1548 as fitting the Prestolite , but it mounts just like mine does. Still don,t know
    what I have ??? Thought a measure would help.
     
  17. Nov 3, 2019
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

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    I'll try to dig out the original plate and take pic with tape, eaRly this week.
     
  18. Nov 4, 2019
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

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    The tape in the pic is distorted. The actual measurement is 2 13/16. Note it also has a stamp that says Autolite.
    image.jpg
     
  19. Nov 4, 2019
    tcfeet

    tcfeet Member

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    I appreciate you taking the time with this. My plate has no markings like this one. Also the incoming wire connection is different
    I found an old welding machine with a L134 engine in it. Had to wade through a briar patch 7 feet tall to get to where I could check
    the distributor. It had a Prestolite IAY 4401 on it. Forgot to measure the dia., will go back. Looks like your plate measures
    two and 7/32.
    Thanks again.
     
  20. Nov 4, 2019
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

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    No it doesn't. It's the angle of photo, etc. if you do the measurement manually it's actually 2 13/16 like I said in my post. TRUST ME.
     
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