Model b distributor

C

cfordman

Member
I purchased a model b dist. found tdc with the cover screw. dropped in the dist and noticed when turning motor over to get timing marks right the rotor wasn't moving. pulled the dist and I can hold the drive shaft still and can turn the rotor. the dist was sold as being disassembled and cleaned. what happened? I haven't taken it apart as yet isn't the rotor spring loaded to provide the advance? ive contacted the seller but am looking for BARN advice before he reaches me. thanks again, carl
 
On a proper functioning distributor, (A or B), the notch in the distributor cam turns the rotor.

With friction at the bottom of the cam, the shaft turns the cam which turns the rotor.

If the screw on top of the lock washer & shaft is not tight enough, one can turn the shaft, but the cam & rotor will not turn.
 
HOLD YOUR HORSES. I guess I need to start again on second look and advice from h.l. I calmed down and looked again. the dist appears to be fine, cam is tight, rotor is seated on shaft and rotor and shaft move as one. the problem is on the bottom of the drive shaft that came with the model b dist. I don't have a pic to post but the bottom 3/8 is worn slap out. there is more of the shaft missing than is there. it looks like two pieces of moms apple pie than the two semi circles it should be. I have the shaft out of my old dist to replace it with it is slotted at both ends, but I cant seem to remove the bad shaft from the b dist. what am I looking at?? carl
 
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The problem is the b shaft is worn out on the lower slot. did ford produce two different style dist shafts? it appears the shaft is one piece from cam to slotted drive end. my working A dist has a two piece shaft slotted on both ends and looks exactly like the pics in the web page mentioned for b distributors. I think im correct the solution is a new one piece dist shaft. im not opposed to splicing the shafts or metalizing the bad slot end and reslotting it. if b shafts are not available
 
I can't help on your problem but can tell you that Renner's Corner is the best place for Model B distributer parts and services: (734) 428-8424.

Charlie Stephens
 
heres the scoop straight from Renners. I have an aftermarket b distributor. the model A's and b's only used one style dist. one with a two piece shaft as seen in the web page mentioned earlier. Charlie says he can rebuild mine. another of lifes mysteries solved. thanks to t5he member who weighed in.
 
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