Distributor Maintenance

[Kenneth G.]

I am doing some engine work on my 65 300HP and am in the process of cleaning and lubricating the distributor. I have the tach drive gear out and the gear off the bottom of the main shaft. The manuals say that I now should be able to slide the shaft out of the body. It comes out about about 2 in. or so and hits something inside the body (maybe the top bushing ?) What am I missing here ? Thanks

[William C.]

Re: Distributor Maintenance

Buildup of hardened sludge on the mainshaft inside the housing, a long soak in mineral spirits, combined with multiple attempts to remoe after soaking will generally do the trick.

[Ken A.]

Re: Distributor Maintenance

Look for a burr on the rollpin hole and remove with a stone or emery cloth.

[Kenneth G.]

Re: Distributor Maintenance

Thanks Ken - I noticed the burr problem when I decided it was a metal to metal hangup. I have been working on knocking it down with a fine file, but will go with the stone from here on so as not to make it worse.
Ken Geddes 37269

[Kenneth G.]

Re: Distributor Maintenance

To Ken Anderson and others
It turns out the problem with the distributor shaft is not the burr at the hole for the drive gear. There is some damage (feels like a scratch that goes all the way around the shaft) to the main shaft that can be seen and felt through the tach gear bore. This is causing the shaft to hang up at the top bushing. Can I drive the shaft through and plan on replacing the upper bushing ? Or is the shaft basically trashed and will have to be replaced ? Another possibility is to try to lube the dist. as much as possible and put it back together without removing the shaft. I only drive the car about 500 mi. a year. Thanks
Ken Geddes 37269

[William C.]

Re: Distributor Maintenance

If at all possible, do NOT trash the upper bushing. Lowers are easy to replace, the upper generally does not wear (less thrust pressure) and it is a SOB to replace. If you think the shaft is in trouble, cut the shaft and pull it out thru the bottom, replace the lower bushing and use a new shaft.