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Apr 19, 2012 | 05:32 PM

Pelayo114

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From: Sylmar CA

distributor question

My distributor looks like its internals are all rusty and messed up. Is it better to try to rebuild it myself or should I look for a new distributor? Anyones thoughts on this?

Apr 19, 2012 | 05:50 PM

lars

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From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado

Assuming this is a stock HEI distributor, the rusty appearance is pretty normal and usual. To get the distributor working nicely again, all you really need to do is tear it down, free up the advance mechanism, lube it, install a correctly-matched vacuum advance control unit for your engine, and slap it back together. Set the total timing up right, and you'll have a great performing unit. You can e-mail me for my papers on timing and vacuum advance to get the setup right after you free up the sticky parts.

Lars
V8FastCars@msn.com

Apr 19, 2012 | 05:59 PM

73, Dark Blue 454

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 2,838

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From: Austin TX

If the shaft has a bit of play, you'd want to replace the bushings. Here's a good kit:

http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductD...GR-SR&CTitle=&

Pretty easy. Use foot long length of 3/8"~ rod of some kind to tap out the old bushings.

This tool is handy for installing new bushings:

http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductD...L2-SR&CTitle=&

...but I think you can manage without it.

Good luck!

Apr 19, 2012 | 08:02 PM

Pelayo114

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From: Sylmar CA

Lars, is there a specific kit or method you think is good for this? I'm willing to do it all myself with a nudge in the right direction.

dark blue, thanks for the links. Ima try to get on this asap.

Apr 19, 2012 | 09:20 PM

scottyp99

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From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pelayo114

Lars, is there a specific kit or method you think is good for this? I'm willing to do it all myself with a nudge in the right direction.

dark blue, thanks for the links. Ima try to get on this asap.

I think Lars mentions that in his paper on setting timing, just send him an e-mail, he'll hook you up with the 411.

Keep the shiny side up!

Scott

Apr 19, 2012 | 10:38 PM

Pelayo114

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From: Sylmar CA

Awesome. Sent him the email right now

Apr 20, 2012 | 09:31 AM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

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Do you need to rebuild your distributor? Is your car running fine as is?

Apr 20, 2012 | 11:05 AM

Pelayo114

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From: Sylmar CA

My car runs ok but I feel it can do better. I've already sent out my carb to get rebuilt. And meanwhile that's away I wanted to do the distributor, to get it functioning properly.