Distributor drive gear R&R

[Nick Vigorito]

I have a 67 327/350 (L-79). I pulled the distributor and found that the drive gear dimple is pointing about exactly the opposite as the rotor tip. Therefore I need to rotate the drive gear so that the dimple and the rotor tip line up.

Never done this before. How do I remove the roll pin that is holding the gear on and then put it back in? Any special tools needed?

Thanks!

Nick

[Duke W.]

Re: Distributor drive gear R&R

You just need a flat punch (not a center punch) that is no larger in diameter than the roll pin. Just tap it out, rotate the gear 180 degrees, and tap it back in. If the end play is sloppy use the opportunity to shim it up to two to seven thou.

Duke

[Duke W.]

Re: Distributor drive gear R&R

You just need a flat punch (not a center punch) that is no larger in diameter than the roll pin. Just tap it out, rotate the gear 180 degrees, and tap it back in. If the end play is sloppy use the opportunity to shim it up to two to seven thou.

Duke

[John H.]

Re: Distributor drive gear R&R

Nick -

Just use a 5/32" or 3/16" dia. flat-face punch to drive the roll-pin out, and re-install it. "While you're in there", it's a good opportunity to properly shim the end play between the top of the gear and the housing to .002"-.007"; also a good opportunity to disassemble the top end, inspect the mainshaft and bushings for wear, re-lube/re-pack the upper bushing, new oiled upper felt washer for the breaker plate, clean/lube the centrifugal advance weights and the top of the autocam they slide on, check the breaker plate ground wire, etc. Simple bench job, and you'll probably never have to touch it again (chances are it hasn't been touched since the car was built).

[John H.]

Re: Distributor drive gear R&R

Nick -

Just use a 5/32" or 3/16" dia. flat-face punch to drive the roll-pin out, and re-install it. "While you're in there", it's a good opportunity to properly shim the end play between the top of the gear and the housing to .002"-.007"; also a good opportunity to disassemble the top end, inspect the mainshaft and bushings for wear, re-lube/re-pack the upper bushing, new oiled upper felt washer for the breaker plate, clean/lube the centrifugal advance weights and the top of the autocam they slide on, check the breaker plate ground wire, etc. Simple bench job, and you'll probably never have to touch it again (chances are it hasn't been touched since the car was built).

[Duke W.]

Re: Distributor drive gear R&R

Bubba must have touched it at least once it the drive gear is on backwards.

Duke

[Duke W.]

Re: Distributor drive gear R&R

Bubba must have touched it at least once it the drive gear is on backwards.

Duke

[Nick Vigorito]

Re: Distributor drive gear R&R

Duke,

I can get a .032 feeler gauge between the shims and the housing by pulling down on the gear. Is that too much end play? I can't find the specifications in my 67 service manual. BTW, I had this distributer restored by a well known restorer and it looks like there is too much end play and the drive gear is on wrong. Hmm....

Nick

[Nick Vigorito]

Re: Distributor drive gear R&R

Duke,

I can get a .032 feeler gauge between the shims and the housing by pulling down on the gear. Is that too much end play? I can't find the specifications in my 67 service manual. BTW, I had this distributer restored by a well known restorer and it looks like there is too much end play and the drive gear is on wrong. Hmm....

Nick

[Nick Vigorito]

Re: Distributor drive gear R&R

Well, I got what is called a roll punch set and that made it real easy to get the roll pin out. Question I have is where do I get these shims to reduce the end play on the distributor? Would like to finish this up tomorrow. Can I get them at Advance, Autozone, Pep Boys, O'Reilly's or NAPA. That is what is open around here on Sundays. Thanks!

Nick

[Nick Vigorito]

Re: Distributor drive gear R&R

Well, I got what is called a roll punch set and that made it real easy to get the roll pin out. Question I have is where do I get these shims to reduce the end play on the distributor? Would like to finish this up tomorrow. Can I get them at Advance, Autozone, Pep Boys, O'Reilly's or NAPA. That is what is open around here on Sundays. Thanks!

Nick

[John H.]

Re: Distributor drive gear R&R

Yup, right you are (brain fart)

[John H.]

Re: Distributor drive gear R&R

Yup, right you are (brain fart)

[John H.]

Re: Distributor drive gear R&R

NAPA may not have them in stock, but they can get them next-day; that's where I get mine.

[John H.]

Re: Distributor drive gear R&R

NAPA may not have them in stock, but they can get them next-day; that's where I get mine.