Distributor fitment
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
Distributor fitment
I'm having to replace the distributor in my 1986 F250 with a 302 because the bearings in the old one are worn out.
I've tried two different new distributors from two different partstyles stores, and both of them won't sit all the way down in the motor like they should. Is this a common issue with aftermarket distributors or am I doing something wrong while installing them.
The new ones sit low enough that I'm pretty sure it's fitting on the shaft that drives the oil pump, but it's still a fraction of an inch higher than it should sit.
I've tried two different new distributors from two different partstyles stores, and both of them won't sit all the way down in the motor like they should. Is this a common issue with aftermarket distributors or am I doing something wrong while installing them.
The new ones sit low enough that I'm pretty sure it's fitting on the shaft that drives the oil pump, but it's still a fraction of an inch higher than it should sit.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
Likes: 105
From: Houston
Are you sure you are all the way down on the oil pump drive shaft?
What about using some pressure pushing the dist down, I know my knew one it popped down the last 1/8" or so with some pressure the O ring was holding it up.
What about using some pressure pushing the dist down, I know my knew one it popped down the last 1/8" or so with some pressure the O ring was holding it up.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,980
Likes: 2,735
From: Virginia
If it won't go, take a 1/4" extension and a 5/16 socket and tape them together. Reach down in the dist hole with it and put the socket on the oil pump driveshaft and turn it just a little bit. Also look down in there and make sure the oil pump shaft hasn't fallen out.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
I had exactly that problem and it was the oil pump shaft. I bumped the starter and the distributor dropped down nicely. The next time I did it I used Jim's plan where I lined the shaft up straight up/down and then did the same with the opening in the distributor. It went in easily.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Yeah, that's another thing I've run into, that oil pump shaft. If the distributor won't go in, and you lift it out a little it and then try to push it in but you can hear/feel a solid stop/thunk, then yes, the oil pump shaft isn't aligned correctly....
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
Likes: 105
From: Houston
I always use the bump technique. When I moved the dist forward a tooth to get a more neutral position of my vacuum advance can I wasn't lined up with the oil pump shaft and I just tapped the key about five six times then pressed firmly down on the dist and snap the o-ring snapped down into the block.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MrPleasant
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jul 26, 2015 10:29 AM
laxman9206
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
4
Apr 13, 2012 06:42 PM
marks69
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
16
Aug 10, 2008 07:53 AM