Front Mount Distributor Replacement

[dhammel]

I'm replacing my distributor / cap / coil on front mount type system. The replacement did not come with a gasket for the distributor body where it mounts to the engine block. Is this gasket needed?

Also, there are two open holes in the distributor, I assume for ventilation. The old unit has a vent cap with fiber filter in these holes - are these needed or can these holes be left open?

Any tricks to turning / alining the rotor so that the cogs on the back side aline with the slot on the block? Is it as simple as just lining it up visually?

 

[Mad Farmer]

You need the gasket.

Make sure points are gapped and timing is set, before you install. Check with a multimeter.

Dist shaft tang only fits one way. You can't tighten it down if shaft is off 180 degrees, and you you try it will crack the housing.

Can't remember about the vent holes, somebody else will

 

[Jim in LA]

I just checked the dist. on mine, I've got the engine tore down and everything in boxes and mine has two vents on it. If they are missing, dust can get in and also those tiny mud
wasps can get in there.

 

[Tim PloughNman Daley]

Did you mean you rebuilt your OEM distributor or that you purchased one of the newer/aftermarket/Cheena-made units? The front mount cap and coil don't come with gaskets.
The front mount parts also includes a separate gasket kit, p/n 9N-12120. The kit includes four gaskets. There is a paper one that applies to the base which mounts flush
to the engine cam port. One paper gasket dist seal goes to the inside top half of the body to cover the points plate and before you push down the rotor. There is a cork
round gasket that fits in under the lip on the cap. The last one is a cork square/letter 'D' gasket that fits under the lip of the coil. This last one works best if you
apply a dab of blue Permatex to help secure in place. I dab it too on the paper one to hold the base gasket in place too. Also, be sure you get all the old gasket off the
DIST base bottom and the engine face. The round cork gasket that goes on the cap must fit down inside the groove. It is snug fit and you may have to work it in gently
with a screwdriver tip. Be sure you gap, time/set, and test the unit correctly and know the unit only mounts down one correct way.

Tim Daley(MI)
FRONT DIST GASKET KIT

 

[jimtrs]

(quoted from post at 21:53:02 08/31/21) ........If they are missing, dust can get in and also those tiny mud wasps can get in there.

Moisture can be a bigger problem, especially if you use your tractor in the snow / rain. Pusher type fans can help with front mount distributors. See if your old vents will fit in