Distributor "shaft play" ???
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 6
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
Distributor "shaft play" ???
Today I was putting my 454 on TDC (#1). This is the original points distributor in this 74 model. I had the dist cap off so I could see the position of the rotor botton. I noticed that when I tapped the starter......the dist shaft/rotor cap assembly RAISED up (i'm guessing) about a QUARTER INCH.
Normal ??
If not....will it affect the tuning and smoothness of this motor?
Is it time to convert to a HSI / tach drive unit?
Thanks......
Normal ??
If not....will it affect the tuning and smoothness of this motor?
Is it time to convert to a HSI / tach drive unit?
Thanks......
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,353
Likes: 654
From: Tampa, Florida
It should have a max. .007 of up-n-down play. Its a very easy fix to install shims between the gear and housing. With that much vertical play your rotor will move up and down causing your timimg marks to bounce all over the place. You'll never get a dwell reading either.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 6
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
It should have a max. .007 of up-n-down play. Its a very easy fix to install shims between the gear and housing. With that much vertical play your rotor will move up and down causing your timimg marks to bounce all over the place. You'll never get a dwell reading either.
WOW.....seven thousanths ????
I am probably exagerating, but I think mine moved up at least a QUARTER inch. I may just go with an aftermarket HSI and punt the points!
Thanks......
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: Roselle IL
Lars or someone else has a good paper for this project.
Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Like everyone says, it is easy to do and one of the better things you can do to help out the timing. Order the kit and do it. Your timing will thank you. There was also some mods that were mentioned in an earlier thread about this that you can do while working the distributor. There is a hole that needs to be enlarged or drilled to help dizzy oiling. I don't remember the details on this but I do remember seeing the pics for it.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,187
Likes: 4,008
From: Connecticut, USA
I had the pictues of the oiling hole, you may find them in the archives.
Endplay in stock dist is about .060" I set them to 7-10. Check your side play in the bushings as well. Over .0015 I'd replace them, you might get by with .002". Don't trash the dist - fix it and you'll be ok.
Endplay in stock dist is about .060" I set them to 7-10. Check your side play in the bushings as well. Over .0015 I'd replace them, you might get by with .002". Don't trash the dist - fix it and you'll be ok.
