FSI Distributor
 

I have an FSI distributor (not zipper).
I have noticed there is no locking pin for the head as on an original Model A distributor. Will the set screw on the side of the head be enough to secure the distributor or would there be the possibility of movement thus changing the timing?

Thanks, Steve

Re: FSI Distributor
 

i would think so, modern cars with a distributor just have a single bolt and 2 fork prongs holding them down. I wouldnt go bonkers with tightening it as id imagine with the stock distributor you can distort the housing enough to wear the shaft bushings egg shaped.

Re: FSI Distributor
 

Yeah, and I know that it is not good to over-tighten that set screw...

Re: FSI Distributor
 

Yes, we use one of those for years.

Re: FSI Distributor
 

you will be fine. Do not over tighten, you'll strip the threads in the head

Re: FSI Distributor
 

if your truly paranoid about it you could just touch the distributor body with a drill bit so the set screw has a "pit" to sit in so even if its not super tight it still cant rotate much.

Re: FSI Distributor
 

then you won't be able to time the dizzy properly
there is no pin for a reason

Re: FSI Distributor
 

I hold the dizzy in place with that screw - have done for years. I use it to "fine tune" the timing. If I can induce the engine to ping, I retard the timing a smidge (technical term) by loosening the screw and turning the distributor body a little and retighten the screw (and lock nut).

Re: FSI Distributor
 

I was worried about that also because this car almost vibrates like a Harley, so I marked the spot with a touch of white- out.

Re: FSI Distributor
 

Might shake the white out off the engine?:D

Re: FSI Distributor
 

surprisingly, its still there after more then a month.

Re: FSI Distributor
 

As a side note: When I put a Weber & a single point Mallory on Minerva, she ran best @ 7 1/2 degrees BTDC! She would idle like a stocker in parades & NEVER kick back, when starting---MAGIC???
Bill Fiddling

Re: FSI Distributor
 

I have had one of these on my car for over 10 years. About two years ago I found both that I was slightly overheating and when starting, it was hard to crank by the compression stroke. All pointed to changed timing and I had to reposition and retighten. All solved. Maybe I did not tighten enough, but like some comments above, I was concerned that it might bind up the shaft in the bushing.

Re: FSI Distributor
 

Once you get it timed to your liking, put a mark on the dizzy to show where it should be. Then later if any question, you need only look at the mark

Re: FSI Distributor
 

I am in process of installing a FSI Zipper. The spring armored cable housing running to the terminal box seemed a tad long which put a twisting pressure on the distributor housing. I actually moved the distributor from the locked down position by trying to place the cable end. I cut about an inch off the spring and now the distributor sits parallel to the engine more naturally before snugging the screw.

Jerry

Re: FSI Distributor
 

Make sure you have a dedicated ground to the battery.