Re: 365 HP Camshaft Questions

[George C.]

To all,

Well who knew a rubber band could make such a difference. This problem turns out to be a sticking weight, I think it is time for new springs. I put the rubber bands on the weights as suggested and was able to use the light and set the timing. I have initial at 12 degrees right now, but couldn't road test today. One more annoying little problem diagnosed, with the help of this board. Thank you all.
In the past I had this distributor out of the car, replaced the shaft, due to tach drive gear wear, and shimmed the gear to specs, it was way to sloppy. I was aware of to the dimple, as I had read the archives. Both before and after this fix I could never set the timing with a light, but felt the car ran too good to have a serious problem. Now that I know what it is I should send it out and get the advance curve setup on a machine to be sure it is right.
For further detective work on the camshaft I will invest in a dial indicator and post the results, if anyone knows of a decent one, that is not real expensive please let me know. I searched the internet today and found them from $25 $300 plus. I don't want to buy junk, but I also know it won't get used very much.

Thank you all again what a great day,
George

[Duke W.]

Re: 365 HP Camshaft Questions

The Harbor Freight stuff may not be the best - lots of it is from China - but given that you may rarely use it, don't pay a huge price for a top of the line model. One with both a magnetic base and provision for a clamp mount is the most flexible to use.

You should investigate why the weight was sticking and correct the problem, which is probably minor. It's a simple mechanism, but a burr or dirt can cause problems.

Rather than sending your dist. out, invest in a dial back timing light and a spring/weight/bushing kit. Depending on the replacement shaft and installed springs, the total advance and rate may be different than OE, so determine what the maximum is and rig up a bushing to limit it if necessary, then use the lightest springs that the engine will tolerate without detonation, and the 30-30 cam can tolerate a very aggressive centrifugal curve. Also verify that the vacuum advance is a "236-16" and that it functions properly (A Mighty Vac is handy for this task.) If not, the correct replacement is stamped B28.

I'll assume that you have the appropriate service manuals or AMA specs that have the OE specs.

Duke

[Joe L.]

Re: 365 HP Camshaft Questions

George-----

The inexpensive dial indicators on the market work quite well. Years ago I purchased one for "temporary" use for a frivolous project, figuring I'd get a high quality one later. It turns out that the inexpensive dial indicator and stand have worked so well that I still use them to this day, about 25 years later. Since then, I did buy 2 high quality dial indicators, but I've never used them. I keep using the old one. Every time I need one.

[Jim T.]

Re: 365 HP Camshaft Questions

Bought my dail indicator to use for my rear wheel bearings from Sears over 20 years ago. It came in a storage case.