1942 ford flathead distributor "moves"

[str8axle63]

I have a 1942 ford flat head v8 I put the distributor in and the clamps click and hold the cap on but the distributor can be moved maybe 3/4 of an inch from side to side. The motor started but died then would not start again, I would think with the distributor moving I loosing spark.
Anyone ever have this problem. The cap, clips are both new

 

[Mart]

I cannot imagine what you are describing, but any movement is a bad thing. Would you be able to take and post some pics? Or even better a video showing the movement. It might give us a clue.

Mart.

 

[Ggmac]

If the housing is moving side to side , don't try to start it before you check the cam .

 

[zzlegend]

Pictures would do wonders. Can't see how it would move.

 

[flatjack9]

Do you have the tang on the distributor lined up properly with the slot in the cam? It is meant to go in only one way.

 

[fordwife]

If this is a crab type distributor maybe the tang that holds the cap centered is broken. I don't see how the whole distributor could move on the 2 studs that hold it.

 

[str8axle63]

Sorry I did not explain the problem correctly. The distributor does not move the cap is moving even though the clips are closed.

 

[flatjack9]

There are 2 rotors, one for the crab and one for the 59 series engines. They are a different size.

 

[jetmek]

make sure the small metal tab at the top of the distributor is in place it lines up with a slot in the cap to align them