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I have recently aquired a service replacement tach drive distibutor for my 327/340hp engine. When the distributor arrived via UPS it looked like the end of the box had taken a hit. Sure enough when I opened it and removed the papers I found that one end of the advance weight plate on the end of the mainshaft hade been bent down at around 15 degrees. I was hoping someone could give me some insight as to how sensitive this plate would be to proper functioning after straightening. The shaft, gear and bearng surfaces are all in great shape - can this be reused or does it need to be replaced to function correctly? Thanks, Eric
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Re: Tach Drive Distrib. Repair
Eric --- I'll assume that you're talking about the weight base cam assembly (on which the weights slide and pivot, and to which the rotor screws on). This can probably be repaired by bending the plate back to horizontal; take it off the distributor shaft to do this, and also examine the cam welded (brazed ?) to the top end of the shaft for distortion. The weight base cam is not that critical, as long as the weights move freely, the rotor doesn't wobble, and the cam doesn't bind on the shaft; this turns at only half the engine speed. If you can't correct the damage, at least you can just replace the cam.
You can always have the reassembled distributor spun on a machine, to check the advance curve, or you could get a rough idea with a timing light on the balancer with a helper calling out the rev's. It's easy to check after a few hundred miles by removing cap and rotor to inspect for signs of wear.
Too bad it wasn't the other end of the distributor that got hit. -
Re: Tach Drive Distrib. Repair
Eric --- I'll assume that you're talking about the weight base cam assembly (on which the weights slide and pivot, and to which the rotor screws on). This can probably be repaired by bending the plate back to horizontal; take it off the distributor shaft to do this, and also examine the cam welded (brazed ?) to the top end of the shaft for distortion. The weight base cam is not that critical, as long as the weights move freely, the rotor doesn't wobble, and the cam doesn't bind on the shaft; this turns at only half the engine speed. If you can't correct the damage, at least you can just replace the cam.
You can always have the reassembled distributor spun on a machine, to check the advance curve, or you could get a rough idea with a timing light on the balancer with a helper calling out the rev's. It's easy to check after a few hundred miles by removing cap and rotor to inspect for signs of wear.
Too bad it wasn't the other end of the distributor that got hit.Comment
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Re: Tach Drive Distrib. Repair
Eric-If you doubt the integrity of the cam area new shafts are availible from a Florida source.I've used his parts and have been more than satisfied.Email me direct if you need the address.Regards,Lou LaphamComment
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Re: Tach Drive Distrib. Repair
Eric-If you doubt the integrity of the cam area new shafts are availible from a Florida source.I've used his parts and have been more than satisfied.Email me direct if you need the address.Regards,Lou LaphamComment
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Re: Tach Drive Distrib. Repair
Thanks for the input guys, I tried to straighten the unit and the cams move freely and are level with the plate, The stamping looks like it is not help to the tightest of tolerences but I wanted to make sure that there wasn't other issues to watch for. I will go back and inspect the welds for any visible damage and see if any other areas are stressed. Thanks again - EricComment
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Re: Tach Drive Distrib. Repair
Thanks for the input guys, I tried to straighten the unit and the cams move freely and are level with the plate, The stamping looks like it is not help to the tightest of tolerences but I wanted to make sure that there wasn't other issues to watch for. I will go back and inspect the welds for any visible damage and see if any other areas are stressed. Thanks again - EricComment
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