New Distributor (Locating pin) doesn't fit

A

Alex Dragone

Member
I purchased a brand new distributor for my car and the pin in the bottom of the distributor that fits into the top of the head is too large in diameter to fit into the hole in the head. So, my question here is should I take the time to file the pin down or should I just drill the hole larger in the head? I would really hate to drill the original hole out to a larger size for a reproduction part. Any thoughts on this?
 
Try just cleaning the hole out first. Then make sure the tangs are going into the lower shaft when you install the distributor.
 
also lube the distributor base and also the hole in the head. a little extra friction could stop it from dropping down.
i never had a problem with the repo dist assy in that regard
 
Alex Dragone said:
I purchased a brand new distributor for my car and the pin in the bottom of the distributor that fits into the top of the head is too large in diameter to fit into the hole in the head. So, my question here is should I take the time to file the pin down or should I just drill the hole larger in the head? I would really hate to drill the original hole out to a larger size for a reproduction part. Any thoughts on this?
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Hit the pin with sandpaper to check for burrs. Don't drill the head but do check the hole for burrs. Maybe clean up the hole but don't make it larger. Try the distributer is another head (I have one you could borrow since you probably live close, all kidding about living close, where in general are you located?) to see if it fits. If there is still a problem, call the supplier and send it back. If we accept junk we deserve what we get.

Charlie Stephens
 
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My original distributor pin measures .243", so I'd imagine the head hole is 1/4" and you could use a 1/4" bit to clean it out.
 
Thanks everyone for the great advise. I will try cleaning the hole first with some sand paper and if that doesn't work I think I will just file the pin until it fits. The pin on the new distributor is clearly larger than the pin on the old one (visibly larger without measuring).
 
If that is one of the NEW distributors, not a rebuilt.... I had the same situation. Found that when they sent the distributor shells to be powder coated, they didn't mask off the pin and the powder coat made it too big to fit in the hole in the head. Had to file off the powder coating and get the pin back to bare metal. Then it fit perfectly.
 
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