Helmet distributor on 41 ford
 

When you pull your dist. off what is the correct way to do it so it goes back on in the correct position to be in time?Al

Re: Helmet distributor on 41 ford
 

It can only go on one way.
The tab or bar on the distributor shaft is off set.
As is the cam shaft.

Re: Helmet distributor on 41 ford
 

Just start the three bolts that attach distributor to front of engine sufficient to hold dissy in place. Reach through one of the side openings and, whilst pushing dissy towards rear of car, turn the rotor. When its in the right place, the tang on dissy will engage with slot in end of camshaft, the whole dissy will move back, you'll know when it;s engaged, simply hold distributor in that place whilst you tighten up the three bolts. It's taken me longer to type this than it would to perform the above operation.

Re: Helmet distributor on 41 ford
 

Thanks very much, that makes it a lot easier than the other dist. I've done. Never had one off a flathead, even though I've owned several over the years. Al

Re: Helmet distributor on 41 ford
 

The one pictured below is a 2-bolt design, but the OFFSET tang (like yours) on the distributor drive that lines-up with the slot in the front of the cam is clearly evident. DD

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...9&d=1280594759

Re: Helmet distributor on 41 ford
 

I made two temporary studs the same size as the distributor bolts, which I install finger tight so that they stick out about 3/4 of an inch. (I knurled the ends so they are easier to turn with greasy fingers.) Then, I can easily slip on the gasket and it will stay in place while I line up the distributor and install the first bolt in the remaining hole, finger tight. Then I remove a stud and insert a bolt, remove the last stud and insert the last bolt. Tighten up all three bolts and I'm done.

Re: Helmet distributor on 41 ford
 

Again thanks for the info., I want to check the points and bushings while Skip has my coil. If it looks like it needs some work I'll send it to Bubba. Al

Re: Helmet distributor on 41 ford
 

Just a side note -- I have spent way to much time recently dealing with the distributor on my car but at the end of the day the design of this distributor is pretty incredible.

Re: Helmet distributor on 41 ford
 

Took it off this afternoon, found point spring broken on #1 side. Looks a little dirty, going to Bubbas after I talk with him. Al

Re: Helmet distributor on 41 ford
 

Wish I had Brian's and MGG's tips before I reinstalled my distributor a couple years ago. Probably obvious to everyone but me. Jim will fix you up and there will be one less thing to make you grumpy.

Re: Helmet distributor on 41 ford
 

It's on it's way to Bubbas, I'm not really Grumppy just old. Got my axle changed out and ready to go. Was checking brakes when it started acting up. Parked it to check it out and it just died. Sent coil to Skip and dist. to Bubbas, hope it runs when all is installed. Al
PS I would not have found parts or repair services if it were not for FB folks, Thanks Guys.