Won't start with top ignition shield on. "64 coupe with 327/300

[Garry B.]

Guys, I need help. When I put my top ignition shielding on (very carefully), the engine tries to start but doesn't turn over. When I remove it (which is how I have driven it so far) it starts right up. I have tried to put it on on two separate occasions with the same outcome both times. The insulator is there and all in tact and the coil is aligned correctly (parallel to the firewall).

One thing I think may be a problem are replacement plug wires which to me appear to be too long and keep the shielding from setting down. I may be able to feed them down a little, but probably not enough. I used a longer screw through the top hole of the shielding in order for it to reach the bracket hole and still be able to get the wing nuts to catch the slots on each side while being sure not to force anything. Didn't work.

It drives great without it and radio works fine, but it has this butt ugly blue distributor cap that I would like to cover up and would like to show it complete. Will change someday, but I have never had this happen with any of the C1's I have had. Thoughts?

[Anthony F.]

Re: Won't start with top ignition shield on. "64 coupe with 327/300

I don't know if this will be of any help for your starting problem, but the replacement wires on my 72 were too long and interfered with top shield. I shortened them at the cap, and replaced the boots with 90 degree type and new terminals ( a good set is fairly cheap, $10 to $15 ). I used Dielectric grease to help slip them on. Top shield now fits nicely. It's not an original look, not sure how important that is to you.

[Frank D.]

Re: Won't start with top ignition shield on. "64 coupe with 327/300

Make sure that center shielding is not cutting or pressing hard on the ignition wires running underneath it. This is a common problem and results in a 'smoke check' of an ignition harness... I put a piece of that plastichrome door edge molding on the bottom of my center shield for this reason (it can be whipped off for judging)...

The only other thing I can think of is that you're pressing so hard on the shielding that you've caused an intermittent "open" in the coil high tension wire as it bends...

The final thing to check is that the wire going to the distributor breaker plate is not frayed or broken at the plate and you are jiggling it when installing the shielding. My wire was only holding on by two strands at one point. Also make sure your ignition coil is completely sitting down in its bracket.

[John D.]

Re: Won't start with top ignition shield on. "64 coupe with 327/300

Garry, If you want to get rid of the blue cap and also help your situation a tad try this.
Go to NAPA and ask or order a distributor cap. Black with copper. It's low tower which is for the fuel cars. #RR168 Very inexpensive compared to buying a real deal D308 or if fuel car a D310.
Do you have 90 degree terminal ends?
My 63 has not have a distributor shield on since I was a young man. Old now.
Worthless part. Now if you show it NCRS the nice judging chairman tells you to remove it. Well mine has NEVER been put on in many years. John