Distributor Question

[RichieScotland]

Hi

I was upgrading my points to a new PerTronix setup with the distributor in place in the engine. All was going well until I managed to drop the tiny nut that comes with the Pertronix setup inside the distributor base. So out comes the distributor and I manage to get the nut back out. I was about to refit the distributor and it surprised me that the shaft would not turn freely instead it only turns about 60 degrees and stops. My question is - is this expected or do I have something else jamming up the distributor mechanism and I will need to strip the whole thing down ?

Thanks
Richie

[kampala]

Richie,

Welcome to the Forum.   

Not sure I can answer your question but hopefully one of the more experienced folks will comment.

When I have pulled my Dizzy, it turns freely.   

Are you aware that with some pertronix set-ups you need to file a corner of the plate so that the unit can seat properly?   You will find this info on this site.  Not sure if this would be inhibiting the shaft from rotating fully.  Something to check before you take it apart.

Again, hopefully others will comment.

Best,

[RichieScotland]

Thanks - Yes I have filed the corner section and that turns easily. Pretty sure there is something inside jamming the shaft. I will pull it apart and see if I can see whats up. Thanks for your reply it confirms that it should be turning freely.

Richie

[RichieScotland]

Turns out at some point the screw holding on the Capacitor on the side was changed and when I tightened it up because it was loose it then fouled the distributor. The challenges of working on an old car - anything you touch might have been bodged up before you got there !

[ja17]

Good that you investigated this. I know an instance when too long a screw bound the distributor. When the engine was turned, the horizontal shaft/timing gear driving the injection pump bent!  The injection pump, distributor timing sprockets had to be removed so the shaft could be changed.

[RichieScotland]

Wow ! that would have been a bad day for the want of a correct screw. I'm glad I checked it out now.

thanks

Richie