distributor rotor turns independent of gear

[Bob M.]

My 63 coupe has been running fine, but I needed to reposition the distributor vacuum advance in order to install the correct coil bracket that has been missing for many years. I have read many of the helpful threads regarding the correct position of the distributor dimple (which is OK on mine) , the correct position for number 0ne wire and the recommendations on turning the oil pump gear in order to drop the distributor. I was having difficulty dropping the distributor because the oil pump drive tilts toward the rear and won't easily line up. And I'll keep wrestling with that til she drops. But, my question arises from the fact that in turning the rotor, it felt stiff. I again pulled out the distributor and saw that the rotor will turn stiffly if I keep the gear held tight in my hand. Is this normal or do I have to dis-assemble the distributor and fix something?

[John H.]

Re: distributor rotor turns independent of gear

I again pulled out the distributor and saw that the rotor will turn stiffly if I keep the gear held tight in my hand. Is this normal or do I have to dis-assemble the distributor and fix something?

Bob -

That's perfectly normal - when you hold the drive gear and can turn the rotor slightly against spring pressure, you're working the centrifugal advance mechanism.

[Bob M.]

Re: distributor rotor turns independent of gear

Actually, I can turn the rotor a full 360 degress while holding the gear. I am now convinced something has broken somewhere. I just talked to Dave Fiedler on the phone (he rebuilds them) and he had never heard of that happening. Thank you for your response though.

[John H.]

Re: distributor rotor turns independent of gear

Actually, I can turn the rotor a full 360 degress while holding the gear. I am now convinced something has broken somewhere. I just talked to Dave Fiedler on the phone (he rebuilds them) and he had never heard of that happening. Thank you for your response though.

Bob -

Being able to turn it 360 degrees is an entirely different matter; either the braze has failed that secures the "football" to the top of the mainshaft, or the roll-pin that secures the drive gear to the bottom of the mainshaft has sheared.

[John D.]

Re: distributor rotor turns independent of gear

Bob, FI or carb car distributor?
On the other hand what difference would it make. I never heard of someone breaking the drive pin the holds the bottom gear on but I suppose anything is possible. If so then you better tear things apart big time.
I see lots of crappy braze jobs holding the football on the main shaft but so far none have been bad enough for your issue.
Out side of repeating what Hinckley just said I can't think of anything else. JD
After you pull the distr it should be quite obvious. Good luck, JD

[Rich W.]

Re: distributor rotor turns independent of gear

I just rebuilt the dizzy in mine a few months ago..not really all that hard but had some great advice from here on what to do..the new shaft..gear and football, as some call it, was welded on so well I had a very hard time getting it off..now the stock one was very easy to remove..I would suggest if you don't think you can do this stuff send it out to some one who does this stuff..there are some tolerances that need to be good..endplay being one and bushings being two..I put the bushings in but had the machine shop hone to size so they were straight..it is a fun project though..