The teeth on the main shaft has sheared off (for the tach drive).

How difficult is it to repair the distributor? (orig. 1968, 300 hp)




Otherwise the distributor seems work ok. The engine has some misses when it idles but I don't know if thats related to the distributor, I cant hear any misses when Im driving.

Does this kit contain what I need or are there other things to change while I am at it...? http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=24498



Thanks

 

On a "difficulty" factor scale, the work is probably about a "3" out of 10...not all that tough. Just search for some write-ups on the rebuilding process and follow directions. Pulling the bushings and pressing in new ones is probably the hardest part of the rebuild (if you need to replace them).

 

I rebuilt my 68 distributorand I am not a professional mechanic.
Not difficult, just take your time and read some of the papers that are out there on the subject.
I think Lars posted one on this forum.

Pay attention to the end play down by the gear and also the little button inside where the tach drive sits.
All the parts , including the shims for the bottom gear are available from most of the aftermarket vendors.

 

Parts are available at Paragon

 

The issue with your cross gear could be caused by a few different problems.

a) Distributor main shaft bushing wear can cause the main shaft to **** sideways enough to clean off the teeth from both gears.

b) The cross gear coupling can wear out and allow the cross gear to **** and take out both gears.

c) The distributor wall wear (see arrow below) can allow the cross gear to move inward and allow the cross gear to eat the teeth.

From the picture you posted I can see where the gear has worn in the wall (it shoudl be flat here) and the way you can tell is the recess and the nipple it created when it wore in the wall. The wall bushing (pictured below) will cure this problem, but installing this is not as easy as just doing a standard distributor rebuild. You need to drill a hole right where the nipple is in the wall and then machine out the inner wall of the housing to allow the wall bushing to create a new flush wall for the cross gear to ride on. If you have a machinist friend or back ground this is not hard at all to do, if you do not then yes this can be quite tricky.





You may also choose not to do the rebuild this way and here is another option. The distributors changed in mid production of 1970 to one that has a Teflon button in the back wall of the distributor housing. To install this bushing in your distributor all you need to do is drill a hole where the tit located on your wall. Once drilled you just snap in the new button and then install your new parts. The bad news is I went looking for a picture of this snap in bushing and it is no longer available.

Once the distributor wall is repaired (either way) you can then assemble the distributor assembly. To know if you have everything matched up perfect, the distributor should turn both forward and backwards without any binding.

So with this in mind, is this all you need? Not really! Personally I would check the main distributor bushings and probably replace them too! You are certainly welcome to purchase any parts you want and replace them at will. I’m in no way trying to get you to purchase more parts, but if you are going to rebuild the distributor then you really should get the bushings. Rebuilding the distributor without them may only invite quick failure of the new cross gear and main shaft.



http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=3333

Willcox Inc.

 

My apology. I didn't know Willcox had those parts. Sorry.

Tim

 

I just put in a MSD system, works just fine now!!

 

I have a complete MSD system in my red no numbers matching '68. It works great.

But my silver '68 still have mostly of the original parts and I would like keep it that way.

Thanks for all the answers

Willcox, you got mail.

 

Whatever I replace from original, I keep the old parts. I don't ever turn in a core from my Corvette

 

You must have sent the mail to sales, I'm not in the building with them. Can you forward it to me at Willcoxcustomerservice@willcoxcorvette.c om

Willcox

 

Mail forwarded