Distributor

[Lenny Bruce]

My question today is I pulled the Distributor off of my ‘30 Tudor. It came out tough she was stuck. When it finally eased out I noticed the second half of the shaft stayed in the motor. I installed all the new components and realigned the shafts and put things back together. Looking back I’m worried now that even though everything lined up and went together nicely can that shaft give me trouble seeing it had separated like it did? I’d like to pull it and replace it before starting the motor if need be.

[Sunny the Model A]

Hi Lenny, is it the lower shaft that goes down into the valve gallery you're talking about? if so, I wouldn't worry about it too much. my lower shaft stays in the engine when i pull the distributer

[Lenny Bruce]

It’s the longer part of the shaft connected to the distributor. It separates from the upper half when I removed the distributor. It lined back up when I reinstalled it. All videos I’ve seen the whole unit comes out as one.

[bruceincam]

No problem. You have a separate lower shaft. Mine does too ---- as long as the engine is driving the distributor and the distributor is fully seated against the head and secured with the locking bolt, you're fine.

[Lenny Bruce]

Phew that’s a relief! Thanks a million!

[Brentwood Bob]

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The tang does wear. Gooder to pull the driver and replace all to eliminate play. However, each connection will probably need to be test fit out of the car. Your solution probably was a lifetime fix.

[Sunny the Model A]

I agree with Bob, no biggie just hook it up and ride off into the sunset

[Lenny Bruce]

Thanks I will do just that!

[Sunny the Model A]

no problem mate, keep the questions a-coming. love answerin' em.

[Brian SATX]

Your A was designed with the two-piece shaft. The one piece is an aftermarket item. The split is to allow some flex in the shaft. Two is supposedly better.

[Lenny Bruce]

You guys are the best!! I’m learning so much and loving every minute of it!! Can’t thank you all enough! LOVE this forum!!!

[Sunny the Model A]

Your welcome mate, that is what the forums are all about. getting cars on the road and talking about all things blue oval.

[Terry, NJ]

Originally Posted by Lenny Bruce

It’s the longer part of the shaft connected to the distributor. It separates from the upper half when I removed the distributor. It lined back up when I reinstalled it. All videos I’ve seen the whole unit comes out as one.

From my stand point, this is where Henry goofed! Never did see the point of that connection anyway. There are single piece shafts sold and they work! Get a single piece shaft distributor and rebuild it and keep it ready. About your distributor, Clean up the bore and the neck that goes ito the head with sandpaper and paint it with rust paint when you replace it and it will not get stuck on you. Warm, moist air rises and since that is the highest point in the engine. Installation of a PCV system in the engine would help too. Also making sure the engine was at full operating temperature before shutting it down would help too. Good Luck!
Terry

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by Terry, NJ

From my stand point, this is where Henry goofed! Never did see the point of that connection anyway. There are single piece shafts sold and they work! Get a single piece shaft distributor and rebuild it and keep it ready. About your distributor, Clean up the bore and the neck that goes ito the head with sandpaper and paint it with rust paint when you replace it and it will not get stuck on you. Warm, moist air rises and since that is the highest point in the engine. Installation of a PCV system in the engine would help too. Also making sure the engine was at full operating temperature before shutting it down would help too. Good Luck!
Terry

I would be careful about painting the distributor "bore" and distributor "neck". You may end up insulating the distributor from ground and wonder why your sparklers don't work after installation.

Better to use a small amount of anti-seize grease that conducts electricity.

[Joe K]

And don't forget the small piece of thin leather put in the "slot" before going together.

Kidding - the leather was an "aftermarket fix" aimed at addressing any developed "slop" between components. New parts go together "closely" and don't require any leather/paper or other "filler." (And this the reason it is best to replace all - possibly including the oil pump drive.)

Why would anyone sell a "used" vertical shaft gear on Ebay? Maybe for some slop is a way of life? Slop is not fatal but it can present challenges in timing the engine.

Joe K

[Terry, NJ]

Originally Posted by Ruth

I would be careful about painting the distributor "bore" and distributor "neck". You may end up insulating the distributor from ground and wonder why your sparklers don't work after installation.

Better to use a small amount of anti-seize grease that conducts electricity.

Good Point! I missed that and got lucky cause none of mine never gave me problems. You're right, it is a consideration. How about aluminum paint? I dunno, just asking. The point is, the distributor rusting in place is a chronic model A problem and I would like to see someone come up with a 100% solution. Good Catch!
Terry

[1crosscut]

I've got a 100% solution. Pull the distributor out once a year and wipe down the shaft with engine oil.

[GRutter]

I have looked but never found upper and lower dist shafts fabricated out of stainless steel. And yet everyone has a rust problem with these shafts. Stainless seems like the obvious long-term fix

[Brentwood Bob]

Might still wear the driver, tool steel might be an alternative, but nothing lasts forever.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by GRutter

I have looked but never found upper and lower dist shafts fabricated out of stainless steel. And yet everyone has a rust problem with these shafts. Stainless seems like the obvious long-term fix

While stainless steel might sound like an attractive option, it is generally soft and so wears more. The stainless water pump shafts don't last as long as the original, good quality steel did but they look pretty.