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Old 09-06-2020, 01:53 PM   #1
3twinridges
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Default 0BA distributor overhaul

My night project has been tearing apart an old 0BA distributor that I received from Ross some time ago. Figure it’s good to have a spare. Everything is broken down, ready to restore each piece, and new parts are sourced. I appreciate the tip on tapping the bushings, that made removing them easy.

I started on the housing, polishing it and getting ready to press in new bushings. The housing had an insulator of some sort tacked in with two pins under the plate. I removed that carefully and would like to replace with new material. What is the best type of material to use there? It looks like leather or some type of fiberboard?

Thanks

JB
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Old 09-06-2020, 01:57 PM   #2
19Fordy
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Default Re: 0BA distributor overhaul

Probably some sheet gasket material you can buy at NAPA. Comes in different thickness.
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Old 09-06-2020, 02:56 PM   #3
JSeery
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Default Re: 0BA distributor overhaul

Ford (and everyone else) used a lot of the fiber insulating material on electric parts. You still see it on some modern electric switches and motors, etc. No idea on a source for it.
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Old 09-06-2020, 04:39 PM   #4
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Default Re: 0BA distributor overhaul

Thanks guys. I have the original pressed between two pieces of sheet metal to see if it straightens out. My fear was that it warped a little when I cleaned it and I was afraid it would rub on the advance plate and impact the advance.

Quick look found this electrical fish paper, it’s pretty cheap, I wonder if it will work as well as the original? The piece I removed must either be some type of heat shield for the points, or keep the wire from rubbing against the housing, not sure.

JB
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Old 09-09-2020, 07:21 PM   #5
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Default Re: 0BA distributor overhaul

All of my parts are on the way. First thing I am going to do is press in new bushings. I have the manzel tool for that so should be in good shape. Manual says not to ream the bushings but rather burnish them with the burnisher tool, 12132-q, which I can’t find. Any ideas on best way to size the bushings for the shaft?

JB
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Old 09-10-2020, 08:27 AM   #6
51 MERC-CT
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Default Re: 0BA distributor overhaul

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Made this tool to burnish/hone fit a shaft to a bushing using a 1/4" dia. rod and suitable grit wet or dry media, using drill motor to turn.



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Old 09-10-2020, 11:01 AM   #7
Ross F-1
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Default Re: 0BA distributor overhaul

Burnishing is very different from honing, I can't think of any way for a person to do it at home. Hard to believe it's really critical.
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Old 09-10-2020, 11:04 AM   #8
3twinridges
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Default Re: 0BA distributor overhaul

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ross F-1 View Post
Burnishing is very different from honing, I can't think of any way for a person to do it at home. Hard to believe it's really critical.
So Ross you think I would be ok reaming with a new sharp reamer? I think the issue is that the bushing are oilite.

JB
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Old 09-10-2020, 12:11 PM   #9
cadillac512
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Default Re: 0BA distributor overhaul

While honing an oilite bushing might contaminate it with grit, reaming with a sharp reamer then brushing clean should do a fine job.

I also think burnishing is overkill in this application.


Terry
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Old 09-10-2020, 07:17 PM   #10
3twinridges
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Default Re: 0BA distributor overhaul

Thanks guys. I pressed in the lower bushing tonight and will press in the upper bushing tomorrow and ream to size in the manual. I am realizing all the adjustments on the points and point plate springs to set the advance. Is there someone here on the barn I can send this distributor to after I assemble it to fine tune on a stroboscope as a service they provide?

Thanks
JB
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Old 09-11-2020, 01:50 PM   #11
BUBBAS IGNITION
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Default Re: 0BA distributor overhaul

use a piece of a milk jug for the insulator ............pm a address and i will send ya some cool mos ford stuff for the rebuild ?
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Old 09-11-2020, 07:20 PM   #12
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Default Re: 0BA distributor overhaul

Way to go Jim....hope you are doing well
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