Flathead front end noise

[Fatboy Tim]

Looking for ideas here.


Rebuilt 59a, 3 bolt Mallory crab distributor. There is a clicking from the front end and seems to be from the timing cover / dissy. I've set the lash on the Johnsons lifters and all good.



Could be cam button hitting locking tabs on cam or any other suggestions?


Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Ken/Alabama]

Make sure the rotor isn’t making contact with the electrodes in the cap on that Mallory.

 

[Willit Stop]

I haven't been around any 59a's. But if they're anything like my 21 studder and have a vacuum brake in the distributor, you might try disconnecting and plugging the vac hose and see if the noise goes away. It COULD be that little piston bouncing. If so, grease the piston and try again. It worked for me.

 

[Ken/Alabama]

I haven't been around any 59a's. But if they're anything like my 21 studder and have a vacuum brake in the distributor, you might try disconnecting and plugging the vac hose and see if the noise goes away. It COULD be that little piston bouncing. If so, grease the piston and try again. It worked for me.

Don’t think his Mallory is gonna have the vacuum brake.

 

[Willit Stop]

OK... I guess I missed that part.

 

[john in illinois]

A bent crankshaft pulley can cause a click as the belt goes around. we straightened one and it still clicked.

John

 

[JWL]

Check the length of the 3 bolts which attach the dist. to front cover.

 

[Fatboy Tim]

Good advice trying that now thanks