Moving distributor

[Speedrdr]

I know this is probably a silly question, but how do you lock a distributor firmly in place? Cranked up and after it warmed up and the electric choke had gone off, I would pat the pedal and get backfire. Never did it before. I got out while it was running and grabbed the dizzy and found out it moved. Don’t have a timing light so don’t know what I set it on, but I got it where it does not backfire.
All that to ask how/where is the nut/fastener that locks it in place?

Randy

 

[Johnnyb]

There's a small bolt and a metal retainer that locks the distributor shaft in place.
The metal retainer looks like a half circle with a moon cut out of one side which goes up against the shoulder of the distributor. There's a groove in the in the side that goes up against the distributor and that faces down.

The bolt goes through the middle of the retainer and threads into the block.

 

[Speedrdr]

Thanks @Johnnyb! I’m relieved it’s not that complicated. I was afraid it was gonna take 2 men, 3 hammers and a small child to fix it. Lol. Should not take that long to secure it.

Randy

 

[Steve83]

There's a small bolt and a metal retainer that locks the distributor shaft in place.

No, it clamps the distributor BODY; not the shaft. It's shown (twice) but not called out in this diagram:

(click this text)


It's #40 in the left panel:

(click this text)


This pic shows one - I have a few spares in my junkpile.

(click this text)

 

[Speedrdr]

Ooooeeee! I like pictures and diagrams. I see exactly how it fits now. Thanks for sharing them. I keep forgetting that @Steve83 has supermotors pics that show things and stuff.

Randy

 

[SteveL]

The lock down bolt is awkward to get to. You can buy a distributor wrench made specifically for the job. Just make sure you get the right size. I think they come in 1/2" or 9/16.

 

[Steve83]

This can be had cheaper than this page shows: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078WJD5YK/?tag=classicbroncos-20

 

[Speedrdr]

The lock down bolt is awkward to get to. You can buy a distributor wrench made specifically for the job. Just make sure you get the right size. I think they come in 1/2" or 9/16.

As it happens, I have those wrenches. Didn’t even have a clue what they were until I saw an advertisement for them yesterday. I’ve moved them several times out of my way, but fortunately didn’t throw them away. lol

Randy

 

[spap]

I had a motor with that bolt stripped out, made it a pain to do the timing, just a heads up

 

[Speedrdr]

I had a motor with that bolt stripped out, made it a pain to do the timing, just a heads up

Thanks@spap. I’ll certainly check that out for sure. If it IS stripped out, can the hole be safely drilled and tapped for a larger bolt?

Randy

 

[spap]

I’m sure it’s fine, just a heads up

 

[Speedrdr]

Always appreciate a heads up!!

Randy

 

[ba123]

Stage 8 also makes a locking bolt for it...not sure if you need that or not, but I plan on getting it for my odd setup.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/stg-8904

you do still need the clamp if you don't have it though

 

[Steve83]

Stage 8 also makes a locking bolt for it.

What's the point? I've never had a distributor clamp bolt "come loose", in millions of miles on my ~8 vehicles.

 

[SteveL]

What's the point? I've never had a distributor clamp bolt "come loose", in millions of miles on my ~8 vehicles.

So nobody steals your distributor

 

[ba123]

For most, it’s prob unnecessary as you said. For me, I’m not sure how easy it’ll be to get in there so considering it for peace of mind. Not a normal distributor setup.

 

[ba123]

Actually, I just tested and messed with it and I think that would make it even more difficult so not gonna use that.

 

[DirtDonk]

No, but it’s a great picture for everyone else to see where the clamp and bolt go. Thanks!