Current status of centrifugal advance distributors

[Joe K]

I can verify the B stock distributor is not "optimal."

My use is a Model B engine converted to the Gordon-Smith air compressor. A centrifugal is required because the engine/compressor has two operating states: "Idling" and waiting to pump air, and "Running" at nearly full throttle. A distributor has to cover both states in this case.

Rebuilding the B distributor, I found by using a variable speed drill to power the distributor that it "hangs up," apparently on the ramp of the "cam" within. Grease in this area helped - until the grease was thrown off at high speed.

A replacement "core" from Renners was better, but I have seen it hang up.

I still haven't found a resolution I'm satisfied with - so I'll be watching this thread as it develops.

Joe K

[alexiskai]

Originally Posted by Joe K

I found by using a variable speed drill to power the distributor that it "hangs up," apparently on the ramp of the "cam" within. Grease in this area helped - until the grease was thrown off at high speed.

Can you be more specific? There isn’t a second cam. Are you saying the weights get stuck on the little rails they slide on?

The unit I’ve been using for testing has been quite consistent, even up to 1500 distributor rpm. The grease is actually assembly grease.

[Joe K]

Originally Posted by alexiskai

Can you be more specific? There isn’t a second cam. Are you saying the weights get stuck on the little rails they slide on?

The unit I’ve been using for testing has been quite consistent, even up to 1500 distributor rpm. The grease is actually assembly grease.

You describe it better than I did. Yes, little rails which form a sort of "circular cam." The hang-up on the Renner replacement I put to "manufacturing burr" (i.e. new and "sharp edge")

Some use and some wear (not a lot) will probably solve this.

I've considered one of the "miracle lubricants" instead of common water pump grease for this. But the object now is to "wear it in" which might be delayed by higher tech slip.

Joe K