8BA Distributor Disassembly

[fredeuce]

I am attempting to remove the breaker plate on an 8BA distributor.

The diagram shows a circlip however what I have found doesn't quite match the diagram.

Any tips here for the removal of the breaker plate?

 

[19Fordy]

What year and make is that distributor? Is it a stock Ford or a Mallory?

Will this help? Be sure to take photos as you go.
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/FH_images/FH_engine-pics/Flathead_Distributor_1949to53.jpg

 

[51 MERC-CT]

(fredeuce)

Don't see the .025-.035 wire circlip in your picture so if it is not there the plate should just lift/pry off.
(you should be able to see the ends of the clip just under the top surface)

 

[fredeuce]

19Fordy, the distributor is a 1953 Ford Canada unit. All Australian Ford flatheads were sourced from Canada.

The link to the diagram shows the diagram that I mentioned in my original post. What I have doesn't appear to match the diagram.

On closer examination I have now found a very small round section wire circlip (0.030)" rather than the flat style circlip as in the Vanpelt diagram. I have been able to remove that and the breaker plate is now free to come off. Thanks to those who responded. Fred

 

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

i CAN SEE THE SMALL WIRE CLIP IN YOU PICTURE , I USE A PIC TO REMOVE . INSPECT ALL WIRING AND CARDBOARD INSULATION UNDER THE PLATE . INSTALL A NEW VAC UNIT FROM THIRD GEN FORD PARTS AS WELL.....WIRING INSULATION IS USUALLY DEFECTIVE ....................THE HEARD PART IS DONE ( REMOVING THE DRIVE GEAR )

 

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

more info at

http://www.bubbasignition.com/49-53.html

 

[Desoto291Hemi]

Yep,,,,the clip is in there .
The leading edge is over about 2:00 o’clock,,,,,.

Tommy

 

[fredeuce]

Bubba,
You mentioned that the hard part is removing the drive gear. You are right about that and also the collar at the base of the distributor housing . Both of those pins were a major pain to remove.

I am thinking about replacing them with a 1/8"roll-pin instead .

Any views about the merits of doing that?

 

[19Fordy]

My 8BA Mallory distributer gear has been held in place with a roll pin for the past 30 years. No problems. A search shows that roll pins are commonly used to make installation easier and not damage your distributer shaft.

 

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Bubba,
You mentioned that the hard part is removing the drive gear. You are right about that and also the collar at the base of the distributor housing . Both of those pins were a major pain to remove.

I am thinking about replacing them with a 1/8"roll-pin instead .

Any views about the merits of doing that?

Yes i use a roll pin to replace the pins not a problem