63 L-76 Distributor Question

[Stuart F.]

I removed and disassembled the distributor from my 63 340 hp engine today. It has been several years since I had it out as the things I have done since then were all manageable with the distributor still in the car (Petronix Electronics & Vacuum Advance Control change). I have had thoughts of removing the tach drive and shaft to check the bearing sleeves and install a new drive gear. I found that the tach driven gear housing was barely finger tight. I have had no trouble with the tach, other than the normal (for mine) needle wiggle at idle. My question; is this normal or usual for the driven gear housing to be so loose? I had read an article from an old C.F. magazine about rehabing a distributor like mine, and it showed how to use an old tach drive cable knurled fitting to clamp down on the driven gear housing with a pair of channel lock pliers in order to remove it. That was my expectation.

Any comments or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Stu Fox

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 L-76 Distributor Question

Stuart,

It's OK if just finger tight, the only downside is removing the cable from the bushing if the bushing is loose. Usually I find a small flat metal straight and just snug the bushing. Be careful the threads don't get damaged for the cable because that's a PIA while in the car to deal with.

The thrust on the gear is inward so make sure you check the distributor where the gear rides. If it looks like the distributor housing is made for the gear to seat with a perfect wear mark the solution is a brass button which will center the driven gear alignment to the main shaft gear.

That's good maintenance for your distributor and also some of those silver (light) springs for the advance curve. Don't throw the original springs away but they are too stiff for your car. Double check that the centrifugal stop bushing is still there also.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 63 L-76 Distributor Question

Tim;

Thanks for your reply and good advice. Hope I can get back at it today after our Doc appointments. Also, have a new B28 VAC coming for it today.
I have had a modified advance curve for many years now, ever since I started using TEL additive. I may have to change it with the B28, we'll see.

Thanks again. Have a good day.

Stu fox