Distributor Upper Bushing Installation

[Al Williams]

While replacing the breaker plate in my distributor I discovered that the lower bushing was worn as well as the lower part of the shaft. I decided to replace both bushings while I had it apart even thought the upper bushing appeared to be OK. The question I have is about the upper bushing installation. It is obvious that the lower bushing is installed to be flush with the bottom of the distributor housing. The upper bushing is not so obvious. I incorrectly thought it would bottom out when installed properly, but I was wrong, it just keeps going. Has anyone had the same issue and how was it solved? Is there a measurement/reference point of some sort? Any suggestions on how to properly install the upper bushing would be greatly appreciated. Right now the only thing I can come up with is to take a measurement off of the old bushing and try to press the new on in the same amount, not real scientific. This is a spare distributor I am sending the correct distributor to T I Specialty for rebuild, I just want to be able to drive it in the interim.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[John M.]

Re: Distributor Upper Bushing Installation

Al,
You might try using the distributor shaft assembly to locate this. With the drive gear on you should have a certain amount of clearance between the gear and the housing, including any shims, around .005-.010". You could press the bushing in, make a check, press further, etc. I did mine this way and it seems to be ok.

[Chris Jackson]

Re: Distributor Upper Bushing Installation

I just removed the upper bushing in my distributor yesterday. I have not yet received the new bushing, but the old one has a thin, spring steel washer (shaped like a C-clip) snapped in a groove about 1/16" from the top of the bushing. This is what is holding it from slipping down the shaft.

Chris

[Werner R.]

Re: Distributor Upper Bushing Installation

to prevent the bushing from going in too far is VERY important, as you can imagine. [try to move it out a little and you'll see what i mean] i used a socket that had the OD the same as the diameter of the hole in the housing that allows you to insert the cross shaft. this will prevent overinsertion as you tap away. yes, i tapped mine in; not pressed. no problem with anything. the final little bit of insertion was with the breaker plate in place. obviously, just tap a little until the groove for the circle clip is just above the plate. once you have both bushings in you may have sonme trouble inserting the shaft into the lower bushing. if you get to that point, let us know. some people say the whole thing has to be taken to a machine shop to be bored into alignment. i don't think so.
werner

[Chris Jackson]

Re: Distributor Upper Bushing Installation

I just received the 'Small Parts Kit' from Zip Products. It contains the spring steel C-clip for the upper bushing.

CJ

[Al Williams]

Re: Distributor Upper Bushing Installation

Thanks to everyone for your ideas. I just tapped the bushing in slowly using the breaker plate grove as a referene point. Also TI Specialty has an excellent article covering tach drive distributor restoration, however it didn't cover upper bushing installation but I believe it is a must read for anyone attempting bushing replacement. Chris you should read the TI Specialty article before you attempt installation. The aftermarket bushing OD's vary greatly. The inside diameter of the distributor housings also vary greatly. I had to do alot of hand fitting but got it to work just fine. I have included the link for TI Specialty. Thanks again to everyone for taking the time to help me. The distributor I have been working on is a backup. I sent my TI distributor for my 427/425 to TI Specialty for rebuild, he is highly recommended and will take the time to talk to you.
AL

http://www.tispecialty.com/articles/article6.htmp://

[Craig S.]

Re: Distributor Upper Bushing Installation

Al - Dave is a great guy, and as you say offers excellent advice for free. Something went wrong with your link, here is the restoration link...Craig

http://www.tispecialty.com/articles/article6.htm