Distributor problem. Is this right

[jpfletch1]

A few weeks ago the pin sheared off holding on the distributor gear. My engine builder sent me a new distributor. I noticed on the bottom of the old gear there was an area of wear. I asked the engine builder this was the problem and he said no. It seems to me there should be no friction on the bottom of this gear and that it is sitting too low in the engine. I was thinking it should be shimed up slightly to avoid that gear binding. I do not want to share the pin off again. I would appreciate any thoughts anyone might have. Thank you

[Excaliber]

Your right, there should be no wear on the bottom of that gear.

The pin shearing is a COMMON problem and has been addressed in many threads. As RECENTLY as a week or so ago!

A new distributor will NOT solve the problem. Do a search and get to the bottom of this. There are SEVERAL issues. Clearance being only one of them.

Your builder MAY be mistaken.

Ernie

[Excaliber]

Search on Distributor Gear. The FIRST link is the best discussion. NOTE the link within this discussion to the "Butcher" who has EXTENSIVLY studied this problem.

351W eats distributor

Distributor gear dry

Is this distributor installation correct?

[Cracker]

Dirty Ernie to the rescue!!!

[Bruce Edwards]

The gear should just sit on the bottom of the block or just off of it. Most will show a polished surface on the bottom of the gear. It is normal.
Remember the pin is a SHEAR pin. It is not made to hold the gear in place the gear is a press fit on the shaft. That is what should hold it. If the pin shears check the shaft as well as the gear. Some of the aftermarket units are to loose and that cause pin failure.
How many small block Fords running the stock distributor have you seen on the side of the road with a sheared pin?

[Bruce Robles]

Bruce,
Your speaking the gosple again! JPfletch, be more concerned if the teeth are tapering down on the gear. That would show a bad mesh, perhaps a rough finish on the cam gear. If you notice excessive wear (tapering of the teeth), get inside and check out your cam.
I lost a distrbutor gear at Ontario Motor Speedway one time, (lost more than that as a result), and the culprit was a rough gear on the cam. The engine was new for that event. That's how you learn to check EVERYTHING!!!!!!

[joeg]

Had the same problem with my 351. Ended up after much searching and 3 broken pins with a very small finger nail cliping size piece of metal from new heads being installed in the oil pump.
Drained the pan twice before deciding to drop the pump and check inside. sure enought a very small sliver of metal.
Joe g