Distributor with limited rotation.

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Nov 15, 2010 | 05:48 PM

1977F1504X4AUBURN

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Distributor with limited rotation.

So, I've got a 1977 F150 4x4 with a 351M/400 engine. Stock ignition system. I'm trying to advance the timing (turning the distributor clockwise) but it rotates a little and then stops and wont turn any further. I can retard it until the engine wants to die but it just wont advance as far as I would like. I have had the truck for about 2 months. It sounds like it may have a cam in it by the sound of it but I'm not taking things apart right now to find out. Any suggestions?

Nov 15, 2010 | 06:26 PM

jim collins

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From: South west Idaho

Is it bumping against something on the engine,like the thermostate housing ? If so,lift up and reset it back ,counter clock wise, one gear tooth. Don't go to far or you will have the same problem the other way.

Nov 15, 2010 | 09:34 PM

joerickson

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almost sounds like you may be a tooth off it it can retard by not advance

Nov 15, 2010 | 09:49 PM

fairlane68

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From: Lawton, OK

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim collins

Quote:

Originally Posted by joerickson

almost sounds like you may be a tooth off it it can retard by not advance

No...I doubt it's either of those. I mean, it can happen, quite frequently in fact, but I don't think that's the case here. I think what's going on is that the base of the distributor is partially seized by coked (varnished) oil. The best remedy I know of is to try to remove the distributor, but use WD-40 or lightweight motor oil liberally, and move it back and forth in small increments. "Delicate" is a word that comes to mind...

And trust me...there is a cam in there.

Nov 16, 2010 | 09:18 AM

jim collins

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From: South west Idaho

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairlane68

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You could be right, but thats the reason i ask him if he could see it bumping against the thermostat housing. If he could then that may be the problem. I just never made it real clear as to what i was asking him i guess. yeah ,i think he will find a cam too ,if not ,that will be interesting.

Nov 16, 2010 | 09:56 AM

Nathan Plemons

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Mine was very tight when trying to move it. It eventually gave but after sitting for as long as it had, I wasn't surprised it was tight.

Nov 16, 2010 | 10:07 AM

1977F1504X4AUBURN

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I will check it out tonight. It could be as simple as the vacuum advance hitting the thermostat housing. If it is a "tooth off", how does that happen? Is the distributor installed when the engine is at TDC? I think the timing line on the balancer is also off. I have to retard the engine until it dies before coming within 30 degrees of where it needs to be. Do you think this and the distributor are related issues?