Distributor end play

Pete Hall · Nov 9, 2014

How important is distributor end play and what are the problems it can cause?Thanks for any info

DeltaRed · Nov 9, 2014

Pretty important.Too much and it can shear off the rotor or break the cap-or both.Plus you dont get accurate spark/timing.

Bob · Nov 9, 2014

What are you working on?

A cast iron distributor can be set up with very little endplay, if the body is aluminum, more is needed.

Having a little extra endplay isn't as critical as too much clearance between the shaft and bushings, which makes it impossible to set the points accurately, and causes timing variations between cylinders.

Janicholson · Nov 9, 2014

Two issues are of major value. One is that if it is more than .002 or so the timing can vary based on where the helical gears that drive it are at the time. if only straight cut spur gears no issue.
The other is interference, this might include: contact with rotor terminals and rotor button support, and internal issues with centrifugal advance. If the rubbing surfaces of the cam are a bit worn, new points will not always seat on the worn part of the bumps. Jim

Janicholson · Nov 9, 2014

Yup. Jim

Distributor end play

Pete Hall

Member

DeltaRed

Well-known Member

Bob

Well-known Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

Similar threads