Distributor Cam

[Lenny Bruce]

Hey guys hope all is well. I was doing a monthly checkup on my ‘30 Tudor. When I inspected the distributor I noticed it was a tad loose so I cracked the set screw and snugged it up. I noticed a little oil around the upper plate around the cam. Is this typical? I also noticed the cam has notable play in it as far as lifting it up and down is this typical as well or should I be looking to make some repairs? Still learning everyday and appreciate everyone’s help!

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Lenny Bruce

Hey guys hope all is well. I was doing a monthly checkup on my ‘30 Tudor. When I inspected the distributor I noticed it was a tad loose so I cracked the set screw and snugged it up. I noticed a little oil around the upper plate around the cam. Is this typical? I also noticed the cam has notable play in it as far as lifting it up and down is this typical as well or should I be looking to make some repairs? Still learning everyday and appreciate everyone’s help!

Is it typical? Yes. Is it supposed to be that way?? No. The housing could be worn where the upper distributor shaft rides, or it is possible the thrust washer (shims) were left out when the lower shaft retainer was installed onto the shaft.

Not sure on the oil. Does the distributor have a drilled upper shaft where the upper bushing is lubed? If so, that is likely where the oil is coming from.

One thing that is often overlooked on the distributor is the upper plate must be firmly centered in the housing when upper plate is rotated within the housing. If not, this allows the point gap to be varied on the distributor cam which alters the timing degrees.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

One thing that is often overlooked on the distributor is the upper plate must be firmly centered in the housing when upper plate is rotated within the housing. If not, this allows the point gap to be varied on the distributor cam which alters the timing degrees.

Brent, one thing I have never seen mentioned, Should the upper plate pivot point and tangs be lubricated. Maybe a drip of light oil or Vaseline? I don't see how it could hurt.

[Lenny Bruce]

It has the drilled cam screw. It is nice and secure and centered.

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

One thing that is often overlooked on the distributor is the upper plate must be firmly centered in the housing when upper plate is rotated within the housing. If not, this allows the point gap to be varied on the distributor cam which alters the timing degrees.

Good point, Brent, thanks for bringing this up. I had this issue on a distributor, couldn't get the point opening to stabilize. My clue was that someone had McGuyvered the center opening of the top plate with a file so that it was oblong. I realize that the plate doesn't bear around the center opening, so that was a symptom rather than a cause, but they probably did it to correct some other centering issue. Solved with a thorough cleaning of the distributor body plus a new top plate.

JayJay

[Bob Bidonde]

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Here are some aides:

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

Here are some aides:

Good stuff Bob. Nice presentation.

[DBrer]

Thanks for the aids, they are helpful to me.

[old31]

Bob, nice job!

[john in illinois]

I will refer my club members to this.