Distributor Drive

[wtm442]

Removed the distributor the other day to take off the vacuum advance canister to clean and paint it. It was all rusty.

This is the first time I've ever removed a small block Ford dizzy. Plenty of Chevy's (boooooo), numerous Olds (what???) and some other brands.

When putting the dizzy back in, it did not want to engage the drive rod. The drive rod in the oil pump was actually bent so it was almost touching the outside collar. Tried prying it over with a big screwdriver - no way!

After swearing and cussing for about 20 minutes, it finally dropped into place. I was really close to hitting the top of the dizzy with a lead hammer!

Finished up some other work today (rotor, cap, plugs) and started the car.

ARRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH

The dizzy is one tooth offset. I've got the advance unit almost all the way under the radiator top tank to get it to run properly.

OK ..... I can remove and reinstall the distributor or I can move all the plug wires one place on the cap.

Suggestions? (yes, the wires are running to the correct plug and terminal on distributor).

[LMH]

Pull it out and move it one tooth. With the dist in place, tap the starter to align the pump shaft. The gear should be engaged enough to rotate the shaft until the pump shaft is aligned. DON"T force it though.
What did you do about the old pump shaft being bent?
Larry

[wtm442]

Originally Posted by LMH

What did you do about the old pump shaft being bent?
Larry

Nothing. It did not look "bent". The taper on the very end of the dizzy shaft is just off enough that the drive in the pump does not easily slide into the hex socket on the end of the dizzy.

[LMH]

I got you.
Yeah, I'd move it one tooth. It's not that much work to correct it.
Larry