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Old 07-05-2025, 05:47 AM   #1
2speed
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Default Distributor Intermediate Shaft

While monkeying with the distributor, I noticed that the distributor does not fully seat in the head. Took out the intermediate drive shaft, and compared it to some old originals and it's .050 inches longer. Even the old ones were a little long.


Using a new drive assembly on the cam, and the head may have been surfaced, although I'm not sure that much.


Are these things trimmed to fit normally? I chucked it up in a lathe and shortened it up and everything is much smoother now....
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Old 07-05-2025, 06:41 AM   #2
BButturff
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Default Re: Distributor Intermediate Shaft

I had to shorten one about that much last fall. Plus the notch was too narrow and I had to widen that about 0.020" as well. Reproduction part...
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Old 07-05-2025, 08:49 AM   #3
Richard Knight
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Default Re: Distributor Intermediate Shaft

I find the slots need file work to make them fit at both ends without binding.
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Old 07-06-2025, 11:47 AM   #4
Phil Brown
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Default Re: Distributor Intermediate Shaft

Sad that something as simple as a shaft with a slot cut in each end can not even be made correctly to day. So simple to make and yet they find a way to screw it up....except for the part about processing payment
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Old 07-06-2025, 11:58 AM   #5
JayJay
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Default Re: Distributor Intermediate Shaft

I've had a couple of the aftermarket lower shafts not fit into the upper shaft coupling. I think the slots are milled a bit off-spec. I've had to turn a few thousanths off the diameter to get them to fit properly. Avoid messing with the slot if you can, other than softening the edges. The tight fit of the slot onto the tang of the upper shaft is what assures that the timing doesn't wander.
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Old 07-06-2025, 12:14 PM   #6
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: Distributor Intermediate Shaft

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Debris in the drive gear can also keep itron fully seating
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