1937 Ford Distributor/Coil install

TonyM

TonyM

Well-known member
I am looking to re-install my newly rebuilt distributor (Thanks Bubba's) and Coil (Thanks Skip) with new spark plug wires, spark plugs and generator wires on my 1937 Ford 85hp. Any tips or information I need to know before I start? Should I put anything on the dist to block gasket before I push it into place? Any lube or prep prior to installing the coil to the distributor? The guy who was supposed to guide me with my install did not show up yesterday. Just need to know what I don't know. I do know to not tighten down the dist until the dist shaft piece lines up with the camshaft groove. Any help, tips or information appreciated.
 

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One thing to make it easier to install is to fit a couple of studs to the timing cover to slide the dist onto,then turn the rotor till is slips into place.fit one bolt then remove the studs one at a time to fit the other bolts.
Makes it easy when fitting one in the car.
lawrie
 
Before you do anything, install the caps with the gasket between the 2 caps and make sure they drop into the resess and spin the rotor by hand to make sure the blades on rotor do NOT hit the contacts on the inside plate.Points must be set with the coil screwed in place. No sealer is used on any gaskets on these. ken ct.
 
Thanks Guys. Ken, the dist cap electrodes clear the rotor by .003 - .005 as required. I have some books too. There is also some information on the install in the Ford V-8 Service Bulletins 1932-1937 and The Complete Ford Owner's Handbook of Repair and Maintenance. Thanks for help. Any info or tips appreciated. Thanks. TonyM.
 
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Make sure the distributor tang is in correct oreantation with the cam slot. These are off set and not in the center and if installed 180 out of position it will break the distributor. The stud method posted by Lawrie is good. Make sure the distributor seats back against the gear housing when pushed in by hand, NEVER draw the distributor on with the bolts. G.M.
 
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No gasket sealer, but a little Vaseline will hold the gasket in place without causing any damage. Paul Selfe.
 
This just my take on it just to add to all the good posts .I would seal one side of the gasket (Silicone ),mostlikly the distributor side ,because you are working deap in the bowels the chances of the gasket getting skewed is quiet high and you will not get the bolts in specialty if it comes of a couple of times .I like the stud idea you can use a fuel pump stud ,I have one in permanent,lock tight . top left .I would also make sure the coil is sealed on with a light coat of clear silicone .I just rebuilt one that had engine degreaser all over the points .The 3to 5 th on the roter is important .I would fit the vacuum nut on after the unit is on the car ,File down the caps and the distributor coil opening so the fit of all is free and esey ,
 
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Install the coil on the distibutor before installing the distributor on the engine. Once on the engine, you cannot be sure the coil spring and carbon button are properly placed. They are both easy to get croked or in the wrong place.
 
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