Replacement for my venerable Delta Mk 10B CD box...

[Mike Self]

Looks like my (up to now) reliable Delta Mk 10 capacitive discharge ignition system is dying, and I'm running out of replacements. Is there a contemporary CD system available? Or does anyone have a good Mk10B they're willing to part with?

For those who don't remember the Delta unit (company went out of business years ago), it's a CD unit that just provides a hotter spark, using the car's original coil and distributor points. The points only carry 12 volts, acting as a relay to trigger the CD voltage; thus they last forever. The neat feature is that if the box malfunctions, you merely press a switch on the box and the system reverts back to normal system, allowing you to drive home without having to disconnect the system.

Does anyone make a modern equivalent? Not so much interested in having a Pertronix-style optical or magnetic points replacment, just the amplified spark and long points life.

TIA

mike

[peteinjp]

I know its not the same but I have a 65 dodge crew cab that was originally set up for traversing mexico (it is a very unique rig to say the least) and it runs a judson magneto which also uses the points a switch. It is a simple and bulletproof unit and they pop up regularly on ebay. The truck has 50,000 original miles on it and it still has the spare points in the tool box because they have never needed replacement.

[guibop]

It might be easier to find an electronics tech to repair it than to find a decent replacement. It could be something as simple as a solder connection that has rattled loose.

[jimk]

Looks like my (up to now) reliable Delta Mk 10 capacitive discharge ignition system is dying, and I'm running out of replacements. Is there a contemporary CD system available? Or does anyone have a good Mk10B they're willing to part with?

Does anyone make a modern equivalent? Not so much interested in having a Pertronix-style optical or magnetic points replacment, just the amplified spark and long points life.

TIA

mike

Mike,

I have a Mallory unit on the shelf just wating for a home. I used it with points and with pertronix.

Nice reliable, no-whine, name-brand unit in a box suitable for underhood use. Mfr's instructions too.

[Inka114]

Looks like my (up to now) reliable Delta Mk 10 capacitive discharge ignition system is dying, and I'm running out of replacements. Is there a contemporary CD system available? Or does anyone have a good Mk10B they're willing to part with?

For those who don't remember the Delta unit (company went out of business years ago), it's a CD unit that just provides a hotter spark, using the car's original coil and distributor points. The points only carry 12 volts, acting as a relay to trigger the CD voltage; thus they last forever. The neat feature is that if the box malfunctions, you merely press a switch on the box and the system reverts back to normal system, allowing you to drive home without having to disconnect the system.

Does anyone make a modern equivalent? Not so much interested in having a Pertronix-style optical or magnetic points replacment, just the amplified spark and long points life.

TIA

mike

If the capacitive discharge function is indeed based on capacitors, a fix may be possible. Capacitors (particularly older "wet" capacitors) are often the least reliable part of a circuit. If the Mk 10 is not "potted" the individual components may be accessible and easily changed.

One difficulty is that caps must be removed from the board before you can test them. Another is that sometimes when caps go they take out adjacent parts of the circuit.

[Mike Self]

high-pitched squeal that's audible with the hood up and engine off. I've checked all the connections where the box is wired to the car's electrical system and all are clean and tight, including the ground. But no squeal.

The unit isn't potted--components are mounted on a circuit board and can be accessed, with two large (quarter-sized) power transistors atop the aluminum housing.

Any of you electronics experts know what causes the squeal? I'm knowledgeable about electrical systems, but electronics...uh, uh...ask me about carburetors!

Thanx for advice so far...Keep the suggestions coming.

mike

[Harv]

Mike,

What about a MSD 6? I know they can use points and they do wonders for starting and low end grunt, not to mention a clean burn.

John

[jgerry2002]

A high pitched squeal sounds like a bad capacitor.

I'd replace all the caps.

[Guest Anonymous]

Hey Mike.

I was faced with the same dilemma several years ago. There are several routes to go. First, these things pop up at auto swap meets and ebay so you might try your luck there. Second there are similar devices to keep an eye out for:

Tiger 581 units ( http://www.msgulfcoastvwclub.org/TechPages/Tech8.html ); JCW used to sell these and I think they were also marked Tiger CD 500. They squealed too, but instead of an on-off switch, you reversed the plug to revert to stock setup. See also the aircraft applications here: http://www.universal-co.com/index.aspx

Then there’s Permatune http://www.permatune.com/6-12V.html (still available new $$$ or used as found on Porsche and other marques.). And of course MSD, Mallory and Jacobs and probably even more. Http://www.checkeredflagperf.com/MSD-6ALN-Ignition-Box_p_97-340-reviews.html

I have been using my permatune on two vehicles 02 and E3 for the last 20 years. It has fired my plugs gapped at .042 for that long too! I ran one on a volvo and a porsche too. Can’t tell you that they are better than the DeltaMkX but they are substantial and some are even placed in a block of epoxy to prevent leakage. Porsche and Audi used them for a short while in the 70's prior to going the pointless route.

HTH

P.S.: You are correct about the whine. As I recall from the instructions on both the Tiger and Delta Units, the high pitched whine similar to a swarm of mad moscuitos indicated the units were working and was not the sign of a bad unit

[Mike Self]

So tell me about your Mallory unit--drop me an e-mail, I may be interested. It looks nice and period for my '69.

Cheers

Mike

[mtriple]

Mike,

Remember when you came through a few months ago and mailed me an idle jet for my Solex?

Well, my friend, its payback time:

I thought I lost it, but just found it tucked in my garage. It was working flawlessly when I pulled it out of my 02 when I went with the red coil. Shoot me an email with your address and its yours.

Thanks

Hamada

[ray_]

Whoa!

Excellent karma!

Cheers,

Ray

Mike,

Remember when you came through a few months ago and mailed me an idle jet for my Solex?

Well, my friend, its payback time:

I thought I lost it, but just found it tucked in my garage. It was working flawlessly when I pulled it out of my 02 when I went with the red coil. Shoot me an email with your address and its yours.

Thanks

Hamada