Distributor does not fully seat
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,788
Likes: 2,425
Distributor does not fully seat
I had the cast gear ('89 302) replaced with the steel gear off of the '98 Explorer camshaft synchronizer to use for my roller cam. The problem is that the gear is hitting the support in the block before the distributor is fully seated. There is maybe 1/16" to go before that happens. I tried both the Explorer housing (without a gear) and an old distributor out of my '87 Bronco and they both seat flush on the block. I put a dab of grease on the gear and it is definitely contacting the support. Looking at replacement distributor gears there appears to only be the choice of material and not pin location in the gear. Would it be alright to run it that way?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 89
From: MD
No, when you tighten the dist hold down bolt you will put it in a bind. You can find the measurement online for where to place the gear, but basically you need the gear and the dist body both to seat against the block,and still be able to lift the dist shaft up a little while the dist is locked down with the hold down bolt.
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,788
Likes: 2,425
I'm positive that the gear is what is preventing it from seating the rest of the way. I hadn't thought about the hold down putting even more pressure on the dist gear. I have another distributor on order. It should be here in a couple days. The 'new' gear was put in the same place that old cast gear was located since that is where the hole was in the dist shaft. There must be more distance between the (factory) hole for the pin and the bottom of the steel gear
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,788
Likes: 2,425
I don't see how you could drill a new hole in the distributor shaft without weakening the shaft. It needs a little more than 1/16" to seat on the block.
It is the original distributor and it used to be fine. Both the Explorer housing (w/o a gear) and my '87 distributor with the cast gear drop right in.
It is the original distributor and it used to be fine. Both the Explorer housing (w/o a gear) and my '87 distributor with the cast gear drop right in.
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 89
From: MD
Went through this when I converted my Lightning to HR cam.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 19
From: Central Wisconsin
Some replacement gears have different dimensions than the original gears that's why shops that do a lot of Fords simply drill a new hole... there are many on-line discussions about this...
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 217
From: W (BY GOD) V
I guess I incorrectly assumed they would just swap out and be fine.
The gear has to be at a specific distance to ride on the cam properly. This info should be in the FORD PP Catalog as well as correct replacement gears.
The man is correct in having to re-drill the hole at times.
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,788
Likes: 2,425
Yes I know. Why? Why would two stock engines with stock components have different pin locations in the distributor gear? 
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 217
From: W (BY GOD) V
I had the cast gear ('89 302) replaced with the steel gear off of the '98 Explorer camshaft synchronizer...
The correct replacement gear is (was) available through FORD MOTORSPORT or whatever they are calling themselves this month.
It should also be available OTC or aftermarket. I think you were trying to save money which I understand. You need to find a roller cam MUST dist. for a take-off gear.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mark1986F150
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Jun 8, 2017 08:00 PM
AbandonedBronco
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
20
Jun 5, 2014 12:22 PM
websthes
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Apr 20, 2005 08:39 AM