Distributor ?

C

CallmeBob

Junior Member
I purchased a 41 Mercury business coupe about 3 years ago for $5000. It was completely disassembled, motor was rebuilt in 2018 and still wrapped in plastic. The dizzy was supposed to be a new rebuild with pertronix still in the box. When I installed the dizzy. like a dumb A, I didn't check it out. I tried to start the motor and it did not hit. so I pulled the dizzy and started looking it over. One of the dogs on the camshaft was gone and the rotor was broke in the middle and the dizzy would only turn half turn each way. I took it apart and found a small lock washer with the the cam weights. My question is this dizzy worth rebuilding and if so where can I get a new camshaft. Oh by the serial # this car was one of the last 41's made, the motor and front suspension is a 42.
 
These distributors have little core value. I'd suggest you source a replacement and while you're at it, dump that Pentronix unit. They are for the most part, crap.
There are a couple of very good guys that rebuild distributors on the Barn. Mike Driskell is one, the other being Charlie Schwendler.
 
I've used pertronix for years, but on small blocks, and they work a lot better than points. This is my first flathead so I don't know much about them. The pertronix was installed in the original dizzy. I'm now retired, so on a fixed income and money is tight. I have to do everything myself to save as much money as I can. I just need a rebuildable dizzy or the parts to do this one.
 
41 had the crab style distributor, I don't think a converted Chevy will work. I forgot to mention it's been converted to a 12 volt system. All new wiring though out the whole car except gauges and clock.
 
The crab is a dual point unit designed by Mallory, very good piece of equipment. Have one rebuilt and get a correct ford coil rewired to 12 volts by skip haney in FL, and you are good to go.
 
he also said one of the lugs on the cam was broken off--is he talking about the distributor mount timing slot? if so then will need to pull the engine apart and install another cam!
 
alanwoodieman said:
he also said one of the lugs on the cam was broken off--is he talking about the distributor mount timing slot? if so then will need to pull the engine apart and install another cam!
Click to expand...

Isn't there a slot on the cam and lugs on the distributor? That's what I remember from my experience with "helmets". If so, I would expect the problem to be with the distributor rather than the cam. Maybe even a broken "mounting ear" It sounds like he'll need another distributor in any case.

Just don't buy and e-Fire.
 
any chance of photos of the damage a picture is worth a thousand posts . A standard crab will work with 12v just need to get the condenser right and as already stated there are numerous replacement [after market] units out there . The cam well there are just as many replacement cams out there just be careful of 2nd hand cams they are often worn and cost more to repair than a good aftermarket again need to work out what you want it to do first
 
I think Tubman is calling this right. There is some miscommunication going on here. OP said "one of the dogs on the camshaft was gone" That makes no sense to me.
 
Aussie said: "will work with 12v just need to get the condenser right"

I think you meant to say need to get the coil right. Condenser works same on 6 volt or 12 volt.
 
The tang on the distributor shaft and the slot in the cam are off-center. They (slot and tang) have to be aligned in order to successfully attach/mount the distributor to the block. If this alignment is not done by rotating the rotor shaft, the distributor "ears" will be damaged/broken when tightening the mounting bolts. If this is the case, a replacement distributor will be necessary...
 
Isnt the 41 helmet dist ? Maybe someone switch the dist to a rabbit and used a spacer that would explain the broken tab . Maybe . Ive got 3 1941s , one is in parts but 2 are running and as original as I can get . I think he installed it with the offset tabs wrong.
Callme bob , where do you live ? If local (west palm bch fl ) I’ve got a few spare distributor as parts you could have . Post your location or pm me .
You got a good deal on the coupe . I’ve got nos fenders and doors and more, yes I’ve liked the 41s for a long time .
Gary
 
I'm in NW Arkansas. I also know the motor is a 42 and has the 2 bolt distributor mount not the 3 on the 41. I also know about lining the "dogs" "ears" "tabs" up or they will break. It is the Distributor shaft that is broke part #12175 I think. Where it was broke had some rust in the break area, so it was broke before I installed it. Now I'm looking for another shaft or distributor. It is the crab style distributor. Mercury's were about a year ahead of Fords on some parts from what I understand. I'm trying to figure out how to post pics, the website won't let me, I've tried several times.
 
You need to post here at least 10 times before you will have permission to post photos.
Then use the "advanced" menu shown below.
 
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