2.3L distributor differences?
 

Hey guys! Never been in this forum before!

I have a question about 2.3L distributors. I have a mallory distributor that I thought would fit a '89 OMC boat motor. (not mine, and the guy who has it now says it won't fit).

Without going into details, it doesn't fit the hole in the block.

Is there a difference between the industrial motors and the automotive motors?

Anyone out there with a 2.3L automotive distributor that would take measurements of the length of shaft, size of the oil pump drive, how many teeth on the gear (and diamter), and the diamater of the housing where it goes into the block?

Thanks in advance for any and all information ! :-X22

Hey Art! Slumming, I see... :-D

As far as I know, a 2.3 is a 2.3. I'm wondering if the dist. you have is made for the early ('71-74) 2.0 which takes a smaller distributor. I can't lay hands on any 2.3 distributors for measurements on short notice, but if no one else gets back to you I can get one in a day or so, all my 2.3 stuff is at my co-worker's house since he's building a mini-stock.

I have (will have, had, etc) a Mallory single-point distributor.

It's a model # YL-679A

The guy who is returning it to me said it doesn't fit his '89 OMC motor.

While I do notice that the drive gear may have less teeth than an automotive, I can't be sure until it's back in my hands again.

Mallory says it fits Ford 2.3's, it's a Marine distributor because of the spark screen, etc. etc.

Maybe it's time to visit the auto parts store and see if they have any 2.3 dizzies in stock to compare.

I appreciate the attempt at measurements, if you can, please do that without putting yourself out.

thanks!

I looked on Mallory's website and I can't even find that much info, just a 3-yr-old support ticket from a guy saying he has one with problems and it's listed as being for a 4-cylinder industrial engine.

Here's a pic of a stock unit so you can at least visually compare:

http://www.partsamerica.com/product_...a1c/302470.jpg

89 does not have a vacuum advance. It is electronic. I don't know if the dist housing is different tho. jim d

Hmm... it does look slightly different. Shaft is slightly smaller, gear has less teeth.

I guess it's off to the auto parts store...

Okay, here are some dimensions:

Total length of shaft from block flange surface on housing (just above the o-ring) to end of shaft: 3 3/8"

Diameter of housing flange that goes into block: 1.300"

Length of same: 1 1/4"

Diameter of gear: 1.225"

Tooth count: 18

Shaft diameter: .515"

Oil pump hex shaft: 5/16"

Hope this helps.

The TFI IV dist are longer from the gear down for the oil pump drive shaft. Totally interchangable.

Dan, you're the best! Here's the measurements I can get with a ruler (dial calipers are out in the garage). Looks like it's an industrial one, that's for sure.

Total length of shaft from block flange surface on housing (just above the o-ring) to end of shaft: 3 3/8"

Mallory: 3 3/4"

Diameter of housing flange that goes into block: 1.300"

Mallory: 1 3/8" (1.375)

Length of same: 1 1/4"

Mallory: 1 1/2" from flange to bottom of aluminum billet.

Diameter of gear: 1.225"

Mallory: 1 3/8" approx.

Tooth count: 18

Mallory: 12

Shaft diameter: .515"

Mallory: 7/16" (.4375) approx.

Oil pump hex shaft: 5/16"

Mallory: 1/4"

This is a Mallory YL-679A

The only info I can come up with in that part number is that it's for a 172 CID (2.8L) Ford Industrial 4-cylinder as used on tractors. Not for a 2.3 from the sound of it!

Hmm... and I saw a Mallory listing that showed 2.3...

Industrial though, that makes sense ;)