The Ford Barn

60starliner · 05-08-2016, 08:49 PM

The distributor shaft moves back and forth about 1/8 inch with distributor partially assembled. Everything moves including weights and rotor. Should there be a washer on the front end of the rotor to keep everything in place? or what?

Binx · 05-08-2016, 09:06 PM

Here's an exploded view...

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/F...r_1937to41.JPG

Lonnie

Terry,OH · 05-09-2016, 06:51 AM

Yes often, but some do not have it. Between P/N 12201 and 12120 is a thin steel washer. it just slides onto the end of the shaft. The washer is thin and will not take up 1/8" play. Has to be the proper OD to fit in the cup of the front of the rotor.

RogerM · 05-09-2016, 07:30 AM

If you have a number of different rotors, you will find that they have different lengths due to wear, manufacturing tolerances or supplier differences. Pick the one that gives the appropriate fit - not too tight though.

regards

Roger

BUBBAS IGNITION · 05-09-2016, 10:31 AM

I lightly center punch the lower rotor mounting surface on the shaft. Then assemble the helmet with rotor. You can then set the clearance with a large bladed screwdriver etc moving the rotor up and down...works for me many times.....

60starliner · 05-10-2016, 12:15 PM

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Bubba, on my distributor this fix would push the rotor out of alignment with contact points.

60starliner · 05-10-2016, 12:15 PM

Binx, thanks, great illustration

Ian NZ · 05-11-2016, 12:20 AM

You install thin fibre washers on the front of the shaft to take up end play on the end of the rotor in the front of the distributor and a slight movement of around 0.010"-is O/K. I sometimes make up washers out of brass shim stock as long as the fibre washer rests against the rotor.

60starliner · 05-14-2016, 08:23 PM

Ian NZ, I agree with your fix as it is what I have come up with after a week or so of messing around. The distributor had a thin brass shim in front of the rotor when disassembled but it was not enough for the new rotor. I'm going to have some shims made up and sell them to other Fordbarners.

koates · 05-15-2016, 01:30 AM

Hi there, You don't need to make brass shims, just buy the appropriate size fibre washer and fit it in there. I have done that for years. Regards, Kevin.

05-08-2016, 08:49 PM	#1
60starliner Junior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Oakland Ca Posts: 10	40 Helmet distributor shaft movement The distributor shaft moves back and forth about 1/8 inch with distributor partially assembled. Everything moves including weights and rotor. Should there be a washer on the front end of the rotor to keep everything in place? or what?

05-08-2016, 09:06 PM	#2
Binx Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Gloucester VA Posts: 1,042	Re: 40 Helmet distributor shaft movement Here's an exploded view... http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/F...r_1937to41.JPG Lonnie

05-09-2016, 06:51 AM	#3
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,803	Re: 40 Helmet distributor shaft movement Yes often, but some do not have it. Between P/N 12201 and 12120 is a thin steel washer. it just slides onto the end of the shaft. The washer is thin and will not take up 1/8" play. Has to be the proper OD to fit in the cup of the front of the rotor.

05-09-2016, 07:30 AM	#4
RogerM Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 10	Re: 40 Helmet distributor shaft movement If you have a number of different rotors, you will find that they have different lengths due to wear, manufacturing tolerances or supplier differences. Pick the one that gives the appropriate fit - not too tight though. regards Roger

05-09-2016, 10:31 AM	#5
BUBBAS IGNITION Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SPEEDWAY INDIANA Posts: 4,148	Re: 40 Helmet distributor shaft movement I lightly center punch the lower rotor mounting surface on the shaft. Then assemble the helmet with rotor. You can then set the clearance with a large bladed screwdriver etc moving the rotor up and down...works for me many times..... __________________ If it Makes Spark, we do it !!!! www.bubbasignition.com [email protected]

05-10-2016, 12:15 PM	#6
60starliner Junior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Oakland Ca Posts: 10	Re: 40 Helmet distributor shaft movement Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Bubba, on my distributor this fix would push the rotor out of alignment with contact points. Last edited by 60starliner; 05-10-2016 at 12:17 PM. Reason: add name

05-11-2016, 12:20 AM	#8
Ian NZ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Taranaki, New Zealand Posts: 922	Re: 40 Helmet distributor shaft movement You install thin fibre washers on the front of the shaft to take up end play on the end of the rotor in the front of the distributor and a slight movement of around 0.010"-is O/K. I sometimes make up washers out of brass shim stock as long as the fibre washer rests against the rotor.

05-14-2016, 08:23 PM	#9
60starliner Junior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Oakland Ca Posts: 10	Re: 40 Helmet distributor shaft movement Ian NZ, I agree with your fix as it is what I have come up with after a week or so of messing around. The distributor had a thin brass shim in front of the rotor when disassembled but it was not enough for the new rotor. I'm going to have some shims made up and sell them to other Fordbarners.

05-15-2016, 01:30 AM	#10
koates Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Melbourne Australia. Posts: 2,085	Re: 40 Helmet distributor shaft movement Hi there, You don't need to make brass shims, just buy the appropriate size fibre washer and fit it in there. I have done that for years. Regards, Kevin.