2 problems after distributor rebuild
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Pro
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2 problems after distributor rebuild
I am in the process of rebuilding the HEI distributor. I replaced the lower shaft bushing, pickup coil, and bought a new mechanical advance spring kit.
1. The reluctor teeth hit the pickup coil teeth.
2. I checked the gear end play before disassembly and it measured .010 with one shim and one tang washer. After re-assembly I now have excessive play that will require thicker shims. How can the end play change? The lower bushing is slightly recessed where the tang washer sits so this should not cause a change to the end play.
1. The reluctor teeth hit the pickup coil teeth.
2. I checked the gear end play before disassembly and it measured .010 with one shim and one tang washer. After re-assembly I now have excessive play that will require thicker shims. How can the end play change? The lower bushing is slightly recessed where the tang washer sits so this should not cause a change to the end play.
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Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: New Braunfels Texas
It has been a while since I pulled the shaft out of one....somebody needs to chime in here....
Jebby
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Dr. Detroit
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From: New Braunfels Texas
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/130...e-distributor/
Looks like under the felt was a fiber ring....was this reinstalled?
Jebby
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There is a plastic washer that seals the shaft. It is pressed into place and I didn't remove it when I took it apart. There is also a felt washer that goes on top of that. I replaced this one even though the original looked ok. The pickup coil went on next followed by the split ring that locks it into place on top of the upper bushing. I measured the reluctor teeth of the old pickup coil with a caliper and compared it to the new one. They are the same measurement.
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Pro
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Reluctor teeth problem solved. I had to loosen the three screws that hold the magnetic ring onto the top of the pickup coil. Some light taps while spinning the distributor shaft teeth and the spacing between the teeth is good now. Strange problem with the end play through, after putting back the advance weights and springs the end play is now too tight. Can barely spin the distributor with the gear and the original washers installed. I measured the end play with just the tang washer in place and there was a lot of play. The original washer that I removed is.033 inches. I ordered a shim kit that has various sized washers so I should be able to dial it in correctly.
Thread Starter
Pro
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The distributor is done. I checked the teeth with a brass feeler gauge and it spins nice and free now. Tested with a 12v benchtop power supply. Makes good spark when I rotate it. All of my work has ground to a halt outside due to the winter cold and no insulation or heat in the garage so I won't get the distributor installed in the engine until spring comes.
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OP
what was the mystery endplay?
1. You began before disassembly with a good 0.010" endplay.
2. Then 1'st reassembly you had too Much endplay.
3. Then on next reassembly you had too Little endplay.
4. Then upon final reassembly seems endplay is OK now.
Sooo… what was going on with endplay?
what was the mystery endplay?
1. You began before disassembly with a good 0.010" endplay.
2. Then 1'st reassembly you had too Much endplay.
3. Then on next reassembly you had too Little endplay.
4. Then upon final reassembly seems endplay is OK now.
Sooo… what was going on with endplay?
Last edited by jackson; Feb 2, 2019 at 06:15 PM.