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Discussion Topic:
Distributor
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jerry_356 |
06-16-2024 @ 5:05 PM
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Member
Posts: 21
Joined: Feb 2024
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Being new to early flatheads I find that the distributor was placed in the most difficult position. I guess I'll just learn to adapt. Any hints as to how it can be serviced? Changing points, adjusting dwell etc. Getting ready to install radiator so it's easy to get to right now. Any advice concerning what service would be recommend with it being 100% exposed? The '33 Tudor ran well before the radiator was damaged..
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pauls39coupe |
06-16-2024 @ 8:08 PM
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Member
Posts: 205
Joined: Jul 2014
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Ford distributors were designed to be serviced off the car on a special distributor machine. When you re-install the distributor, the shaft has an offset tang which engages a offset slot in the camshaft. It should only fit one way, do not tighten the bolts if the tang and slot are not aligned. That is a sure way to break the ears off the housing. Skip Haney in Florida, Dave Groh at Yesteryear Parts in Michigan are two of the people who do distributor repairs on early Fords. I sure there are many others who may chime in. My question is " if the car runs well why do you want to take the distributor off?" The old saying come to mind "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"!
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nelsb01 |
06-16-2024 @ 8:23 PM
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Senior
Posts: 983
Joined: Oct 2009
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Another point to remember is that the radiator fins are sharp and taping a piece of cardboard on the side of the radiator will help keep the blood from flowing when working on the removal or installing the distributor.
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dean333 |
06-17-2024 @ 8:42 AM
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Member
Posts: 258
Joined: May 2012
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They’re much easier to remove from underneath the car.
TIM CARLIG
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RAK402 |
06-17-2024 @ 9:06 AM
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Member
Posts: 438
Joined: Jul 2015
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These distributors are not difficult to work on, if you have the right tools (although it took a long time to actually figure out how to do it-it is not difficult). You set them up on the bench and, if you do it right, they just work. I have several, timed and ready to go, and can just swap them out as necessary. From my own limited experience... https://www.earlyfordv8.org/forum/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=14&Topic=16761&srow=1&erow=10
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jerry_356 |
06-17-2024 @ 1:02 PM
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Member
Posts: 21
Joined: Feb 2024
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My experience with distributors began with '55 & '54 Fords back in the '60s. Back then it seems that points had to be dressed at least once a year. A good file, feeler gauge and timing light were all that was needed. What is the normal service schedule?
This message was edited by jerry_356 on 6-17-24 @ 1:17 PM
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