Local mechanic made service call to replace spark plugs, plug wires, and install Pertronic Ignitor 1244AP6 on our Ford 8N, 6V positive ground with side mount distributor. After installation and a few cranks, the whole distributor turned and cracked the timing gear cover.
Distributor was pulled, expecting to see gear at bottom of shaft shattered, but all was intact. No debris, loose parts, etc. were found in the distributor. Screws used from the kit appeared shorter than original ones.
All owner could find was that mechanic installed Ignitor part off center instead of centered.
What could have caused the rotating magnet mechanism to jam? Could such jamming cause the gear cover to crack? If not, what could have cracked it?
Distributor was pulled, expecting to see gear at bottom of shaft shattered, but all was intact. No debris, loose parts, etc. were found in the distributor. Screws used from the kit appeared shorter than original ones.
All owner could find was that mechanic installed Ignitor part off center instead of centered.
What could have caused the rotating magnet mechanism to jam? Could such jamming cause the gear cover to crack? If not, what could have cracked it?