40 Helmet distributor shaft movement

60starliner

60starliner

Junior Member
The distributor shaft moves back and forth about 1/8 inch with distributor partially assembled. Everything moves including weights and rotor. Should there be a washer on the front end of the rotor to keep everything in place? or what?
 
Yes often, but some do not have it. Between P/N 12201 and 12120 is a thin steel washer. it just slides onto the end of the shaft. The washer is thin and will not take up 1/8" play. Has to be the proper OD to fit in the cup of the front of the rotor.
 
If you have a number of different rotors, you will find that they have different lengths due to wear, manufacturing tolerances or supplier differences. Pick the one that gives the appropriate fit - not too tight though.

regards

Roger
 
I lightly center punch the lower rotor mounting surface on the shaft. Then assemble the helmet with rotor. You can then set the clearance with a large bladed screwdriver etc moving the rotor up and down...works for me many times.....
 
Bubba, on my distributor this fix would push the rotor out of alignment with contact points.
 
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You install thin fibre washers on the front of the shaft to take up end play on the end of the rotor in the front of the distributor and a slight movement of around 0.010"-is O/K. I sometimes make up washers out of brass shim stock as long as the fibre washer rests against the rotor.
 
Ian NZ, I agree with your fix as it is what I have come up with after a week or so of messing around. The distributor had a thin brass shim in front of the rotor when disassembled but it was not enough for the new rotor. I'm going to have some shims made up and sell them to other Fordbarners.
 
Hi there, You don't need to make brass shims, just buy the appropriate size fibre washer and fit it in there. I have done that for years. Regards, Kevin.
 
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