rotor issue

[smlk31]

Is it normal for a rotor to move horizontal up to 3/8" while on the shaft? This is in a 172 hp gas engine 1956 800 series

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 18:17:55 12/15/23) Is it normal for a rotor to move horizontal up to 3/8" while on the shaft? This is in a 172 hp gas engine 1956 800 series

ou are likely missing the rotor spring clip that fits between shaft and rotor. Believe it or not, I have seen them run for years without it, but it should be installed.

 

[Janicholson]

If the movement is rotation, and the shaft is also turning, JMOR is correct, there is an advance spring missing. If it springs back to position, it is good to go. if it
moves outward and inward axially, it needs fixed Jim

 

[Hdonly]

Make sure you have this.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

Not normal. Believe it or not we have a Ford 2000 that will
pop the cap off the rotor once a year and you can see it
moving. Runs great set at the 4 degree advance though it
came with an ignitor kit in it so no point gap to worry about.
Some day Ill get to it but like they said spring down below
should likely fix it if you have the clip under the rotor.

 

[Hemmjo]

3/8 is a lot. Do you mean it can twist so the tip can move that much or
it moves side to side it front to back that much.

Take the rotor off the shaft. Then see if you can move the shaft side
to side. There is a bushing in the base that can wear. I just had to
replace mine after 67 years. Mine did not move that much, but
enough to make the points not close some times so it ran rough
sometimes.

I guess it is out of warranty by now!

 

[smlk31]

Yup I just measured it and it at least 3/8" to 1/2" so I will check out The advanced spring thing. Thanks so much for all of the advice from all! BTW I have saved all the comments so I can refer back to you guys! Cheers!

 

[Jim.ME]

Did you check, remove the rotor button, to see if the clip in the picture Hdonly posted was on the shaft, with its tab between the flat of the shaft and the flat inside the rotor mount hole?

 

[Geo-TH,In]

If there is too much movement in the rotor it won't last long.
One time I was pulling spark plug wires off the Jubilee's
distributor cap while the engine was running to find out which
cylinder was missing.
The cap moved a little and the rotor ended up in pieces.

So if your distributor isn't eating rotors, you should be good.

 

[MarkB_MI]

You probably have a 172 CUBIC INCH engine. 172 horsepower in a Ford 800 series would be a real terror. And yes, you're probably missing the li'l clip that holds the rotor in place. Your New Holland dealer probably has them in stock, or you can buy it from the folks at YT.
Distributor rotor clip

 

[smlk31]

No clip I'll get one from YT Thanks!

 

[Jim.ME]

(quoted from post at 13:23:25 12/16/23) No clip I'll get one from YT Thanks!

Glad you took a minute and looked, that alone will probably fix your issue.