[Guest]

In my never-ending quest to so

In my never-ending quest to solve the mystery, I have decided to remove the distributor, and "figure" it out.

What precautions should I take, before I remove the 3 base screws. I have already removed the cap and rotor.

 

[Guest]

Be sure to have the engine tim

Be sure to have the engine timed at number one cylinder on compression. With the engine at dtc and compression the rotor(the lower electrode) will line up with the scribe mark on the distributor. Then using white-out mark the distributor housing and the mounting plate so you know were the distributor was sitting so you don't lose the position of the distributor housing for timing.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Tom: I got it out, aft

Thanks Tom: I got it out, after marking the rotor, and the shaft..........body was already marked.

The star wheel is all rusted........the advance pivot points a totally dry, with rust forming. I can feel the magnetic pull as the star wheel points go past the magnet.

 

[Guest]

I removed one large internal e

I removed one large internal e-clip, and a small external e-clip and the O-ring, all on the back side of the distributor. Also removed the 6 screws holding the internal plate. Now I can't seem to figure out how the thing comes apart. It would seem that the internal plate comes off, but I can't move it.

Any suggestions?

 

[Guest]

Hank,

It's been a while

Hank,

It's been a while since I torn mine down, so pardon me if I'm not 100%...

So, far so good with your disassembly.
Looking at the top (rotor side) of the distributor, there is a small cover (with a tiny locating pin on the side) over the distributor shaft. Remove the cover with a gentle tap...The cover comes off in the same axis as the rotor shaft. Under the cover, you'll see a screw. Remove the screw and be aware of any spacers/washers. Now, drive the rotor shaft rearward, towards the engine side of the distributor...

Be aware of internal shims between the distributor internals and the rotor side bearings.

Regards,
David

 

[Guest]

David: After removing the rot

David: After removing the rotor, I see no "cover". The rotor fits directly on the shaft. The shaft is hollowed out, with a "plug" type metal piece in it. There is a pin through this plug.

 

[Guest]

The "plug" is what I&#

The "plug" is what I'm referring to...Remove that piece, and you'll see the screw that needs to be removed. The "pin" is what I used as the leverage point to remove the plug. The pin doesn't, nor need to be, removed from the plug...

Regards,
David

 

[Guest]

The plug has the pin going thr

The plug has the pin going through it, protruding on each side, which then, insert into a cutout slot, on either side of the shaft......resting on the bottom of the slot in the shaft.

I can't seem to get a small screwdriver beneath the pin....have tried tapping in an upward direction. Just sprayed some Blaster on it, and will let it sit.

 

[Guest]

OK David: I got it out......t

OK David: I got it out......thanks. The trick was to insert a small screwdriver halfway into the threaded hole, and then pry up. This allowed the plug to come up some......enough, to where I was able to use a small phillips screwdriver and tap it "beneath" the side pins.....tapped on each side and the plug came out.

There was a round felt-like material in the shaft. Removing it exposed the slotted screw, which I will now undo. Out came the small screw and washer.....no shims......yet!!!

 

[Guest]

David: Distributor is now out

David: Distributor is now out of the case......I couldn't have done it without your help!!! So far, I will need a new gasket.......goes on the part that has 6 screws (base). And, will need a new bearing....the one in the case, towards the cap. Do you know a source for these.

I also notice that the star "thing" is all rusty. While holding the advance weights cover, with one hand, and turning the star with the other, I only get about 1/16 in movement.......shouldn't I get more.

What is next David?

 

[Guest]

Hank,
As far as I know, Ferra

Hank,
As far as I know, Ferrari does not offer any parts for the distributor. The paper gasket..well, likely you're on your own. As to the bearings, they're common off the shelf numbers. Rutlands does carry these bearings, if you can't source them locally. Typically, the cause for lack of advance is that the weight holders are seized/sticking on the pivots. A good cleaning on the pivots and some moly grease will do the trick.

Pay particular attention to where the different weights and springs go...!

The advance should move more than 1/16". I don't know the exact number, but 1/4"+ seems more to my memory...

Basically, it's a clean, polish and lube procedure...

 

[Guest]

David: How do I get at the ad

David: How do I get at the advance mechanism. Do I remove the base plate off the bearing (the one with the 6 screws), or the "star"?

 

[Guest]

My memory is a bit foggy here.

My memory is a bit foggy here....

The star doesn't come of the shaft.
The star part of the distributor pulls off, once the distibutor guts are out of the housing...

To access the advance plate, you need to drive the rotor side of the distributor shaft back thru the top bearing...and the entire assembly comes out the back of the distributor (hence why you need to remove the 6 screws and rear plate.)

I typically will remove the six screws...any retainer clips?? and then drive the entire distributor shaft (from the top) out the bottom of the housing.

 

[Guest]

I removed the base plate, with

I removed the base plate, with bearing off the shaft. The housing for the advance is still attached to the shaft, rather firmly.....it appears a very pressed fit.

The star part is attached via splines, so it would seem to me, that the star comes off.......then, one can get at the advance mech.

 

[Guest]

Hank,

Over the weekend, I&#

Hank,

Over the weekend, I'll pull apart my spare distributor...and post some pictures along the way. Disassembly is very simple, after you've done it once...and I just can't remember the specific details. I know it will take me just a few minutes to explain in pictures, versus many (unclear?)words from memory...

Regards,
David

 

[Guest]

I wish I was better with the c

I wish I was better with the camera, and computer........that way I could post pictures.

Will await your response.

Thanks a lot, so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!