Farmall M distributor

[ducky]

I have a 1946 M that has a horizontal distributor. It was running rough and a guy put in new points and condenser. He said he timed it but will probably not stay timed because the distributor shaft is worn. Do I have to replace the shaft and weights and cam or just the shaft, and where can a guy get these parts? Any info would greatly be appreciated. Thanks.
 

[old]

Most of the time it is not the shaft that is bad but the bushings it sits in that wear out and that lets to points open and close incorrectly
 

[Janicholson]

I agree with old, it is also possible to use a slightly longer bushing that contacts unworn shaft. Bushings are available and or can be made easily. Shaft clearance should be at or less than .001" Jim
 

[the tractor vet]

Just went thru this on the one 706 , NO BUSHINGS from Case I H , no new shaft either . And i have been unsuccessful in finding a used dist for the C291 . So we had a machinest turn down and polish up the old shaft and make new bushings up even cut the drain back slot in the bottom bushing worked well for three hours then she seized up on the top bushing and locked up and took the brand new oil pump and twisted the shaft off. SOOooooooo that one is setting till warmer weather . Not sure just what i am going to do yet .
 

[CNKS]

Mike at Steel Wheel Ranch will have used distributers if you can't find the parts. He prefers to sell the whole thing rather than the parts. I bought one from him a couple of years ago. 785-548-7437. Probably costs less than new parts.
 

[ducky]

Anyone know where you can get bushings for the shaft?
 

[Janicholson]

Stock bearing companies like Motion Industries, or Kaman Granger, and even hardware stores have sintered oil impregnated bushing stock. It might be available in the correct or close to correct stock sizes. Jim