Installing a distributor

nhusa

nhusa

Well-known member
I am putting a distributor back in my Model A and have a couple questions.
It was rebuilt when we did the motor.

I used the pin to find TDC - easy!
Then installed the distributor - I remembered to put the lower shaft in - made sure that the timing rod was correct lever up, and the arm against the slot in the distributor body.

The screw on the cam was loose so I could rotate the rotor to the correct #1 position.
As I was playing with the rotor I found that it was somewhat loose - better yet a lot sloppy on the cam.
I could rotate it maybe an eighth of an inch without moving the cam.
I checked my old rotor and it is the same.

Is this normal or am I missing something?
 
Do a search on timing. The slop needs to be taken out to properly time the motor. you want to get on the back side of the gear. Would go easier if you had a chance to learn from someone.
Basically as the cam is turning with no slop the points are about to open in full retard.
 
Yes, I think rotors all move a little bit. What Brentwood Bob said about removing that slop when you set the timing will get you to the correct timing.
 
Thanks Ken -
The "slop" had me concerned a bit.
In the past (non-Model A) the rotors were always pretty tight. Sloppy rotor probably means sloppy timing, but what's a little slop on a Model A?
 
I recently worked on the distributor on our Model A. I also noticed that the rotor was a little loose on the cam. That rotor is fairly new. I tried a new (in package) rotor and it too was loose, I then tried an old rotor and it was a nice snug fit on the cam.
YMMV
 
nhusa, since you have four connections before you finally see the slack at the rotor, this all compounds into the movement of the rotor. That is why all the info about setting the timing says to first set the point gap, then be sure to turn the distributor shaft as far clockwise to set the timing so you remove as much of that slack as you can.

This is also why so many of the timing instructions also say to use the test light as that will give you a better indication of just when the points open.
 
Use piece of paper, or Manila folder stock between the rotor and distributor cam.
Place a small piece in the rotor on edge and press the rotor down on the cam. This will snug up a loose rotor.
 
4port said:
Use piece of paper, or Manila folder stock between the rotor and distributor cam.
Place a small piece in the rotor on edge and press the rotor down on the cam. This will snug up a loose rotor.
Click to expand...

X2...the OP is posting about the rotor being sloppy on the cam...not the cam/rotor combo being sloppy.
 
A case of late repro parts ganging up on you,collected original parts years ago all fit as intended,no slop in rotor or cam.
 
Buy better repro parts. The rotor should be snug on the cam. There are many threads on where to get good parts.
 
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