Wobbling Distributor
Thread Starter
|
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
Wobbling Distributor
Hi all,
I have a strange issue I've never seen before.
This is with the $50 engine I swapped in last year. It runs fine, and has for a few thousand miles so far, but I can see the whole body of the distributor wobbling in a circle.
If I loosen the hold down bolt to set the timing, the circle the distributor wobbles in will increase and increase until it's probably a good 1/4" rock from center. It's tough to time it because the wobbling makes it rotate on it's own, so I have to hold it pretty still until I can tighten it back down again.
Even then, when it's fully tightened, I can still see it wobbling slightly.
I pulled the distributor out and it, as well as the pin, look completely straight as far as I can tell. The teeth look to be in good shape aside from some a little shine where I can tell they've been making contact with the cam.
Any ideas on this?
I have a strange issue I've never seen before.
This is with the $50 engine I swapped in last year. It runs fine, and has for a few thousand miles so far, but I can see the whole body of the distributor wobbling in a circle.
If I loosen the hold down bolt to set the timing, the circle the distributor wobbles in will increase and increase until it's probably a good 1/4" rock from center. It's tough to time it because the wobbling makes it rotate on it's own, so I have to hold it pretty still until I can tighten it back down again.
Even then, when it's fully tightened, I can still see it wobbling slightly.
I pulled the distributor out and it, as well as the pin, look completely straight as far as I can tell. The teeth look to be in good shape aside from some a little shine where I can tell they've been making contact with the cam.
Any ideas on this?
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 666
Likes: 5
My first thought is a bent shaft, but if you are sure the shaft is straight, the maybe something is out of balance. Maybe the PO pulled one of the advance weights out or something really odd like that. In any event, I would just put another distributor in. It can't be good for it to be wobbling around.
Thread Starter
|
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
It's a new distributor, as of a few months ago. I honestly don't remember if the previous one wobbled or not. Either way, the previous one was mine, and didn't come with the engine.
However, it's not weight related, or the spinning of the distributor out of balance (ie. washing machine with too much load on one side). It's physically oscillating in it's spot.
However, it's not weight related, or the spinning of the distributor out of balance (ie. washing machine with too much load on one side). It's physically oscillating in it's spot.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
On the other hand, the drive hole in the pump (or dist) could be off-center (or at an angle), or the drive shaft could be bent slightly.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,603
Likes: 10
From: Spokane, WA
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
The center shaft of the distributor is solid and tight. I've checked it. (Plus it's new).
I'll get a video as soon as I can to better help illustrate it.
But Rogue Wulff, I'm wondering if it's something like the drive hole in the distributor being off-center. Like it was rebuilt incorrectly.
It's something very solid that's doing it (aka, not a worn out, loose part). I can't physically hold it centered.
I'll get a video as soon as I can to better help illustrate it.
But Rogue Wulff, I'm wondering if it's something like the drive hole in the distributor being off-center. Like it was rebuilt incorrectly.
It's something very solid that's doing it (aka, not a worn out, loose part). I can't physically hold it centered.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Frat-man-du
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
49
Sep 28, 2007 06:51 AM
dillon1033
335 Series- 5.8/351M, 6.6/400, 351 Cleveland
1
Feb 9, 2003 12:52 PM
