ProComp distributer

tcrist · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011, 10:53 AM

I have a bit of an issue with my ProComp distributer. I know, throw it away and buy a quality one. I might when this one craps out.

Anyway, there is a pin in the top of the housing that I believe is intended to lock the cap in position. This pin either broke or slipped down into the housing so the cap can rotate/move. Does anyone know if there is a special pin that ProComp uses? The reason that I am asking is because the hole in the distributer is round (looks like it just had a 1/8" roll pin in it) but the corresponding location in the cap looks to be a rectangle shape, approximately 3/32 wide.

There is a gouge in the cap where the pin had aligned before. It looks as if they were trying to put an 1/8" round roll pin into a 3/32 wide rectangular slot. Now, not being a physics genius, this just does not seem quite correct.

Thanks in advance for the razzing on the ProComp electronics

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Earl J · #2 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011, 11:09 AM

If I may, can I be the first razz you to recommend your first instinct or comment.

tcrist · #3 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011, 12:35 PM

Thank you Earl. The first of many I presume.

In my defense though, I bought a complete dyno'd engine from CR and that's what was installed.

But that's not going to cut me any slack with anybody here

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FWB · #4 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011, 01:03 PM

i'm not familiar with the procomp dist.....but as far as putting a pin into a square hole......it is a practice i have seen in different equipment....the pin only makes contact at the quadrants in the square hole.....and in your case the cap slot also.........but a .125 pin into a .093 hole seems a bit odd.....you sure on your dimensions?. a roll pin will squish down but that far may be problematic.

maybe the pin is metric... 2.5mm perhaps? would make it around .098"

tcrist · #5 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011, 01:18 PM

I am sure on the pin size. The cap slot might be a bit small because it is damaged and a bit hard to measure. It could be as large as .100. But you can really see the differance where the pin has contacted the cap compaired to the slot in the cap.

FWB · #6 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011, 04:16 PM

looks like a standard motorcraft cap.....hmmmm.

FWB · #7 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011, 04:28 PM

the cap adapter for a ford distributor, that uses the cap like you have, has a square tang on it that orients the cap, thats why you have a square hole there in the cap.
a pin to orient that is going to be trouble........do you have access to a milling machine?

FWB · #8 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011, 04:31 PM

take a pin that fits the hole in the distributor and mill a square end on it to mate properly with the cap........

or ditch the Chinese distributor altogether spend 55 bucks at napa or autozone and get a duraspark distributor. it will use the same cap and wires.
should be almost plug and play......

mid to late 70's small block should get you there

tcrist · #9 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011, 05:01 PM

Thanks FWB.

I think that I will take some measurments and have our machinest at work make me a couple of special pins.

Rick Parker · #10 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011, 11:22 PM

Terry:

The pin just needs to be replaced, no special action need be taken. It is only intended to prevent installing the cap 180 degrees out, nothing more. Any small interferance beween the pin and cap is negligable. If you are concerned take a small knife and scrape the plastic to allow for clearance otherwise replace the pin, secure with 242 locktite, and FAGETABOUTIT.
As mentioned it is a lat model FORD cap that uses a plastic cap adapter on a std diameter Ford distributor. Your distributor body is larger diameter and the pin is an inexpensive means of clocking the cap. In OEM fashion the cap adapter has a rectangular tang on the side of the cap adapter for the same purpose. No need to go through the effort you have mentioned.

Procomp Electronics | Motorsport - IGNITIONS & ELECTRICAL :: Distributors :: 10000 Series

tcrist · #11 (**permalink**) 10-08-2011, 08:45 AM

Rick,

I think that I will give that a try. It cant hurt.

I am thinking that ProComp possibly put in too short of pin and it might have slid down. I tried to ask them. It took them 10 days to answer my e-mail, just to say "send me a picture of what you are talking about".