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Another suggestion: remove the gear and install the distributor without the gear and see if it fits correctly. Look down the distributor hole to see which direction the oil pump shaft faces, rotate the distributor shaft the same direction and see if it fits. If it does, there is an issue with the gear.
Not a terrible idea but if you decide to do that make sure all of the shims come off with the gear. You don't want to drop any parts in there.
Are there different distributor gears for flat tappet and roller cams? I know it shouldn't affect fit, but premature material wear.
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Last edited by How Are You; Mar 28, 2021 at 01:50 PM.
If not, sometimes replacement gears have no “leader” or chamfer to receive this. The shaft will sit slightly cockeyed in the hole and no way will it take the shaft.
The way to solve this is to remove the gear and chamfer.
I have seen this quite a few times, especially on MSD stuff, so it is worth checking.
I checked the gear and there is no bevel on the shaft. See pic. So I have to remove the gear to bevel both sides?
Last edited by How Are You; Mar 28, 2021 at 02:49 PM.
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
That's your problem. Very common issue on aftermarket distributors and replacement shafts, especially the Chinese-made stuff. The end of the shaft needs to be modified to look like this:
Without the bevels shown, it is almost impossible to get the distributor dropped in to engage with the oil pump drive shaft.
Lars
[QUOTE=How Are You;1603216701]Are there different distributor gears for flat tappet and roller cams? I know it shouldn't affect fit, but premature material wear.
Originally Posted by 3X2
Physically the gears are the same size and tooth count. Difference is the metal they are made of.
Its not actually flat tappet vs. roller that requires different gear materials, its what the cam is made of. Just follow the cam manufacturer's recommendations.
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Years ago, I was changing my distributor gear and the replacement fit the distributor shaft and roll pin went in easy, but he inside diameter of the new gear was smaller (by thousands) and would not engage the oil pump shaft either. just for ***** and grins, try putting your old gear on the new distributor
Last edited by walleyfisher; Mar 29, 2021 at 08:19 AM.
You have done all you should at this point. Send it back to who ever you bought it from and get a refund. Put your old unit back in or have it recurved or rebuilt!
Years ago, I was changing my distributor gear and the replacement fit the distributor shaft and roll pin went in easy, but he inside diameter of the new gear was smaller (by thousands) and would not engage the oil pump shaft either. just for ***** and grins, try putting your old gear on the new distributor
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Originally Posted by wilcar
You have done all you should at this point. Send it back to who ever you bought it from and get a refund. Put your old unit back in or have it recurved or rebuilt!
