Distributor Problem

[InstantLegend]

Hi,
My rotor cap is cutting into one of the contracts in my distributor cap. From looking at this post (http://www.ytmag.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=nboard&th=792131) it looks like I need new bushings. The shaft the rotor cap goes on does seem to have a lot of play.

My question is how do I replace the bushings? Are there any special tools required?

 

[InstantLegend]

This is a front mount dist.

 

[Tom N MS]

Do you feel or see play/slack in the shaft when you push it side to side?

 

[InstantLegend]

Yes, there is a lot of play. How do I replace the bushings?

 

[NOXJohn]

If you purchased cap, rotor and points made by TISCO you may just have cheap junk parts. Get a set of ignition parts made by Standard Ignition. If they do the same thing it may be time to look at the bushing on the distributor shaft.

 

[Tom N MS]

I have never replaced the bushings. I bought a new distributor complete..Someone will come along with the answer--I think they can be kinda ticky and easy to bend the "tower" that holds the small top bushing...I"ve always figured better to buy the plate with the top bushing then drive out and replace the bottom one..I understand that the replacement bushings are sometimes undersized and may need some slight reaming..

 

[Anonymous-0]

i can rebuild dist, low price

 

[Bruce (VA)]

" How do I replace the bushings? "

Very, very carefully.

Actually, the housing bushing is easy. Support the base & drive the bushing out from the top.

The top bushing is a lot more difficult because bending the support will get you in trouble. If you or a buddy have a press, it's easy. Otherwise, take it to a machine shop. Or, if you are feeling lucky, find a suitable support (like a socket) and a good driving tool. Worst case, you bend it & then you buy a plate.
50 Tips

 

[8nfeller]

on my front mount it will rub if the gasket under the cap is missing.

Doug

 

[Jerry/MT]

If the buhing is worn so is the shaft. If you send it to a disributor shop they"ll turn the shaft and ream a bushing to fit. The clearances are pretty tight.

 

[Tom N MS]

I agree-got the third distributor before I got one that did work. First one had bent tower where small bushing goes..Had to have good pliers to even turn the shaft. Got home with it before I knew it..Dealer got chapped because I brought it back. He sent his nechanic to the back with it to try to fix it. He was determined he was not going to give me another one--but he did--he couldn"t fix it..He probably bent and beat on it after I left and was able to put it off on somebody else later.Seems like the 2nd one had a busted housing on the bottom and the third one the clips that hold the cap would not hold the cap..I got down the street then saw this problem. Took it back and had them bend the clip tabs so it did work. They were glad to see me leaving the last time..This place is no longer in business-after many, many years as a Ford and IH, Massey dealer. For years I tried not go there but if I had to they always acted insulted because you had come in the door.

 

[G6 at Snook, TX]

"For years I tried not go there but if I had to they always acted insulted because you had come in the door."

We have a lumber yard that is the same way. They act like they are doing you a favor to wait on you and it is a major imposition to buy lumber from them. I hate going there, but the last time I bought a large slug of lumber they were the cheapest and best in the area. I had to swallow my tongue (and pride) and go in.

 

[lha]

I bought replacements for my front dist.and replaced them without a problem.Sometimes if you don't know that something is supposed to be hard to do,it goes easily.I got a socket on bottom,one on top,and with some light taps[quite a few]it came out.I did check the top one out for centering,and carefully adjusted it until almost perfect.all 4 lobes then adjusted exactly 0.015.I always had one or 2 that were a little different.---lha