Correct Distributor??

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Jun 8, 2009 | 02:36 PM

hotzip

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Correct Distributor??

I purchased a 1960 and it has a 350 installed but I also got the original numbers matching 283/230 long block which I'm rebuilding. A cast iron bowl single point distributor came with a box of parts but no ID band. Thought is was the correct distributor but the shaft appears to be too long (7.8") and doesn't drop down onto the intake manifold. I found a correct number distributor (1110946) but the shaft is the same length - did they make a shorter shaft version or do I have other problems?

Jun 8, 2009 | 02:46 PM

Mossy66

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From: Lake Villa Illinois

St. Jude Donor '14

How much is it too long? Are you sure it's mating with the oil pump drive?

Gerry

Jun 8, 2009 | 03:29 PM

hotzip

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about an inch off - I believe it's matching up with the oil pump drive. I installed the distributor and it sets about two inches above the manifold, when I rotate it drops down to about an inch to high. I had the long block rebuild with a new oil pump, is it possible they installed the wrong oil pump and that's my problem?

Jun 8, 2009 | 05:01 PM

1COOL60

Burning Brakes

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From: Emporia, pay no attention to that man behind the curtain, KS

Yep, sounds the oil pump has not engaged the dizzy shaft. Bump the engine a little with the starter and I bet it will fall into place.

Jun 8, 2009 | 05:08 PM

Sean Dunshee

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From: Peoria AZ

I always shine a flashlight in the hole and turn the oil pump with a long screwdriver (one that is long enough that the is no chance of dropping it in the hole)

Jun 9, 2009 | 04:22 PM

hotzip

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Tried bumpimg the engine and the long screwdriver option - still wouldn't drop into place. The engine is on an engine stand so my next option is to pull the oil pan and see exactly what's going on. Thanks for trying to help.

Jun 9, 2009 | 04:29 PM

Frankie the Fink

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Army

Hard to believe its a matching distrib then. I've had mine in and out several times and it always dropped right in...one or two times I had to bump the starter to get it to seat with the oil pump drive but that was no big deal... Bought a Pertronix SBC complete billet distrib to replace the original and it too dropped right in.

Might want to check your intake manifold casting number, it should be 3746829.

Frank

Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Jun 9, 2009 at 04:37 PM.

Jun 10, 2009 | 02:48 PM

hotzip

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Pulled the oil pan and oil pump last night and discovered the problem is the company that rebuilt the engine put in the wrong oil pump shaft when they installed a new oil pump. They installed a longer shaft for higher intake manifold deck. Had a long talk with them this morning. I have an original shaft. Will install it tonight and expect better results with the distributor. Thanks for the help.