Keeps breaking distributors

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Oct 15, 2023 | 04:55 PM

XthraKrishpy

Thread Starter

4wd Low

Joined: Jul 2023

Posts: 11

Likes: 2

From: Ohio

Keeps breaking distributors

I have a 1989 F350 460. First time I changed the distributor the shaft was twisted and almost sheared off. This time the gear on the bottom of the shaft broke off. The lock pen was sheared. Anyone know why they keep breaking?

Oct 15, 2023 | 05:38 PM

Scndsin

FTE Chapter Leader

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 12,322

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From: Central Mississippi

1) Clogged pickup screen, high drag, wear in oil pump.

2) Cheap roll pins in cheap import distributors.

Oct 15, 2023 | 08:26 PM

Prototypemech

Logistics Pro

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 3,922

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From: Mojave, Ca

Gear oil used instead of engine oil.

Oct 16, 2023 | 09:26 PM

foresixtee

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jul 2021

Posts: 193

Likes: 38

Doubt it's the second issue. I haven't heard of that issue happening on the 460 replacement distributors ever. I'm sure it's a possibility, but seeing how he keeps going through them he either has the worst luck in the world or one of the first issues.

Oct 17, 2023 | 07:38 AM

Spudtato

Cross-Country

Joined: Sep 2023

Posts: 52

Likes: 11

Are you running a normal oil pump or something aftermarket? I have seen in some ford pushrod engines, when you switch to a "performance" (higher volume or pressure) oil pump that puts more strain on the distributor and it breaks in weird ways. Usually cracking the gear or sheering off the roll pin.

From the other replies, those guys also suspected something up with the oil pump. Really, anything that could cause the oil pump to become harder to turn could be to blame. Sounds like its about time to drop the pan on that puppy.

Also, make sure you have the correct distributor gear material. Roller lifters and flat tappet lifters use a different distributor gear material.

Oct 18, 2023 | 05:18 AM

manicmechanic007

Hotshot

Joined: Jul 2020

Posts: 10,345

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From: Near Salt Lake City

Pull the distributor back out and spin the pump shaft with a drill
You are liable to need a new oil pump
Better check / inspect the pump drive shaft for being twisted

Oct 19, 2023 | 05:18 AM

FuzzFace2

FTE Legend

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 30,860

Likes: 4,106

From: Angier, NC

Are you replacing the broken dist. with the same one from the same store?
Try a different make & supplier.

Also should there be a gasket between the dist. and where it sits?
I dont know what the firt went bad but the new ones may not be machined right.
If the distance between the dist. seat and the shaft end where the oil pump shaft fits is not right when installed and bolted down the dist. could be pushing the pump drive down into the pump binding the pump and BAM broken dist.
Same if the oil pump drive end of the dist. was not cut deep enough.
Dave ----

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Oct 20, 2023 | 12:34 PM

C6Scott

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jul 2021

Posts: 107

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From: Indianapolis IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by manicmechanic007

Pull the distributor back out and spin the pump shaft with a drill
You are liable to need a new oil pump
Better check / inspect the pump drive shaft for being twisted

if it were mine that’s exactly what I would do. I’m not sure about the 460 but the small blocks you can use a 5/16” socket on an extension, taking measures that the socket doesn’t fall off in the engine, and turn the oil pump by hand fairly easily with the oil drained. If you can’t turn it with just your fingers or feel anything catching then I would take the pan off and replace it personally.