Distributor wedge shape

M

mustang1215

Member
On a recently late 30s motor I just got, when I took off the distributor the wedge that goes in to the motor is a rectangle not wider at one end. Is this normal on late 30s ,or early 40s flatheads. I am worried that when i put it back the timing will be way off. Any advice
 
If I am understanding your question correctly:
The rectangle shape of the protrusion that fits into the end of the camshaft is correct. Note that the rectangle is slightly off to one side, not centered on, the rotating part of the distributor. The camshaft's recess is similarly off to one side. Thus the distributor can only go back on one way, so timing can't be off.
 
The drive tang on the dist. is probably worn a little which is quite common for these . Timing would not be effected much and will run OK. Good close up photos would help to access it better. Regards, Kevin.
 
Do you mean the "button" or spacer that goes between the camshaft and distributor that is used in some applications where a short camshaft is used? That's the only thing that comes to mind right off. If so, they are somewhat a booger to get back on and must align correctly with the cam and distributor when installing.
 
Lawson, the button distributor adapter is easily installed onto the distributor with a sledged taper pin through holes in both button and tang. The hole in the tang should be on the loose side to allow the button to center itself properly. This assembly is then slid onto two long finger tight studs on the block that aid in positioning the distributor, to be removed as bolts replace them. Caution is warranted in seating the distributor by hand before using a wrench, to insure the tang is not 180 degrees out.
 
ford38v8 said:
Caution is warranted in seating the distributor by hand before using a wrench, to insure the tang is not 180 degrees out.
Click to expand...


Distributor Slot Offset


492141



Properly ALIGNED


487112



180º Out of ALIGNMENT


487111
 
ford38v8 said:
Lawson, the button distributor adapter is easily installed onto the distributor with a sledged taper pin through holes in both button and tang. The hole in the tang should be on the loose side to allow the button to center itself properly. This assembly is then slid onto two long finger tight studs on the block that aid in positioning the distributor, to be removed as bolts replace them. Caution is warranted in seating the distributor by hand before using a wrench, to insure the tang is not 180 degrees out.
Click to expand...

Alan: Some have the pin and others do not. At least I was on the correct page. LOL
 
mustang1215 said:
On a recently late 30s motor I just got, when I took off the distributor the wedge that goes in to the motor is a rectangle not wider at one end. Is this normal on late 30s ,or early 40s flatheads. I am worried that when i put it back the timing will be way off. Any advice
Click to expand...

Something you might want to try is making a couple alignment studs by removing the head of two bolts with the same thread size as your distributor bolts. Install those alignment studs and mount your distributor on those. While applying a light force back on the front of the distributor, slowly turn the rotor with your other hand until the tang on back of distributor shaft correctly aligns with the off center slot on front of cam shaft. Then install one of the distributor bolts to hold it in place while you replace studs with correct bolts.
 
JM 35 Sedan said:
Something you might want to try is making a couple alignment studs by removing the head of two bolts with the same thread size as your distributor bolts. Install those alignment studs and mount your distributor on those. While applying a light force back on the front of the distributor, slowly turn the rotor with your other hand until the tang on back of distributor shaft correctly aligns with the off center slot on front of cam shaft. Then install one of the distributor bolts to hold it in place while you replace studs with correct bolts.
Click to expand...

John… is there an echo in here?
 
JM 35 Sedan said:
Sorry Alan, I read this first, then posted....thinking you had no clue as to what he was talking about :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

You’re right, John, the terminology of the newbie V8ers is all Greek to me! You youngsters catch on to their lingo much faster than I can. I think it was Lawson that clued me, and he’s old as dirt, so their goes my alibi.
 
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