Y block question

[Bills Cars]

Have a 55 yblock engine, replaced the original distributor with a 57/58 unit. Started the engine, no oil pressure, ratcheting sound. Appears the shaft from bottom of dist to oil pump was not engaging the bottom of dist. Does the round washer on the shaft hold the shaft in the proper location?? All help appreciated. Bill

 

[tommyleea]

Have a 55 yblock engine, replaced the original distributor with a 57/58 unit. Started the engine, no oil pressure, ratcheting sound. Appears the shaft from bottom of dist to oil pump was not engaging the bottom of dist. Does the round washer on the shaft hold the shaft in the proper location?? All help appreciated. Bill

The washer keeps the shaft in the pump so you can pull the distributor without the shaft falling out. Doesn't change the engagement.

 

[darrell]

pull it out and compare it to your old one to see if its the same lenght.some replacement ones are to short.

 

[dmsfrr]

Try to look down the distributor hole in the block and see what the top of the oil pump drive shaft looks like. (or on the bottom end of the distributor shaft of the one you took out)
There are two styles, one has a hex shape rod, the other older version is a flat & slot.
It may be mis-matched with the distributor. The number of teeth on the driven gear isn't the same either, 14 teeth = '55 thru '64 and 13 teeth = early ('54)

 

[tjaybo]

My question for Bill would be, is the replacement "57/58" unit an original dizzy or a new rebuilt unit from FLAPS? If from your Friendly Local Auto Parts Store, then I would bet the distributor shaft is to short by about 1/4 inch and wont properly engage the driven shaft.

 

[dmsfrr]

Have a 55 yblock engine, replaced the original distributor with a 57/58 unit. ...

Does the engine have an original '55 Holley 4000 'teapot' carburetor? If so here is an instruction page for modifying the carb to control the '57/'58 distributor.
Or, is it a 2bbl carb?

http://www.eatonbalancing.com/2013/...four-barrel-carb-for-late-model-distributors/

pull it out and compare it to your old one to see if its the same lenght. some replacement ones are to short.

... then I would bet the distributor shaft is to short by about 1/4 inch and wont properly engage the driven shaft.

Measurements: from the bottom of the housing shoulder where it meets the block to the bottom of the driven gear. (4.99+ inches)
and, from the bottom of the driven gear to the end of the shaft. (1 inch)

No gasket is used at the dist housing shoulder to engine block opening, if there is one there take it off.
.