Problem getting distributor to sit.
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 350
Likes: 3
From: Sacramento, CA
Problem getting distributor to sit.
Ok, I've got a question that I think is pretty dumb. Honestly, I'm embarrassed to ask it. Ford 223 1959 I have five things off my truck right now and have each of their bolts in separate areas. But they are all very obviously too what they go too. Starter has 3 bolts and a nut. Fan has 4 long skinny bolts. Radiator has 4 short fat bolts with washers. Valve cover has a bunch of short bolts and washers. And the distributor has 2 (1 or 1 and a quarter inch, I'm guessing) bolts with washers I bring this up because I don't think I'm confusing any of these bolts with bolts for something else. My problem is, when trying to put the distributor back on, the bolt towards the rear, won't go all the way in. It just stops about a quarter of an inch before it's seated. The bolt in the front starts to get tight right before it seats. The bolt in the back is finger loose until it stops. Like it's hitting something inside. The bolt in the front is a 'pass through bolt' but the one in the back ends inside the engine so I can't see if it's hitting something. Is something inside the engine suppose to line up with that bolt? Edit Quote
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 350
Likes: 3
From: Sacramento, CA
Not sure. Mine didn't. And they were snug when I pulled them. I've tried multiple times and switched bolts, but I can't get the rear bolt to tighten down. The whole thing has me scratching my head.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 709
Likes: 38
Put something in the hole to measure the hole depth and compare it to how deep the bolt goes in if there is a difference, then run a tap into the hole to chase the threads. One more thing to consider is that the bolt will not go in as deep as the hole unless a bottoming tap is used but never start with a bottoming tap, only finish with it.
If you are not confident using taps I recommend asking for help from someone who is. The last thing you want is a broken tap in the hole.
If you are not confident using taps I recommend asking for help from someone who is. The last thing you want is a broken tap in the hole.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 708
Likes: 28
From: Pahrump, Nv.
I would say check to see if there is anything that has fallen in the hole; a light and mirror to look is a great help. I have these picks like the dentist use, try too move around whatever might have fallen in there and maybe blow out with air whatever is there. Checking the depth as G force said is a good idea. I like thread chasers (thread restorer) rather than a tap. A tap will actually cut the threads. Chasers only clean the threads. You do have an actual distributor hold down correct? Pictures really help
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 709
Likes: 38
Sorry thrifty but I disagree. I’ve used both many times and a chaser will never clean threads like taps and die’s. the treads have already been cut so there’s nothing else to cut. If the threads have been damaged taps and die’s will restore them and will remove more debris than a chaser.
thrifty made a great point about pictures. They help us help you.
thrifty made a great point about pictures. They help us help you.
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