The Ford Barn

41panelmark · 04-10-2022, 03:41 PM

How much endplay 59-a helmet distributor? With the distributor mounted to the engine I can move the shaft in and out about an 8th of an inch or more.

This seems a bit excessive and could cause uneven gaps between the rotor and the cap contacts correct? What would be normal here?

thanks in advance.

ford38v8 · 04-10-2022, 05:04 PM

Must be a trick question? The helmet ended prewar, the 59 series was the rabbit ears.
As for the excess slack, you’re probably right, but these distributors are forgiving, and I myself have never seen one that didn’t have some slack.

Ken/Alabama · 04-10-2022, 05:07 PM

The helmet distributor has a fiber washer at the front end if the rotor to control end play.

41panelmark · 04-10-2022, 09:16 PM

Thanks and yes it is out of a 40 , not a helmet but has the 2 caps. I also thought about the washer. If there was to much back n forth could that cause some misfire issues? I did notice that the contact that runs on the rotor rides at the very end or edge of the brass surface when the shaft is moved all of the way to one side.

Terry,OH · 04-11-2022, 06:51 AM

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Can use a steel washer usually found at the end of the shaft between the rotor and outer bushing.

04-10-2022, 03:41 PM	#1
41panelmark Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,264	How much endplay 59-a helmet distributor? How much endplay 59-a helmet distributor? With the distributor mounted to the engine I can move the shaft in and out about an 8th of an inch or more. This seems a bit excessive and could cause uneven gaps between the rotor and the cap contacts correct? What would be normal here? thanks in advance.

04-10-2022, 05:04 PM	#2
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,646	Re: How much endplay 59-a helmet distributor? Must be a trick question? The helmet ended prewar, the 59 series was the rabbit ears. As for the excess slack, you’re probably right, but these distributors are forgiving, and I myself have never seen one that didn’t have some slack. __________________ Alan

04-10-2022, 05:07 PM	#3
Ken/Alabama Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,261	Re: How much endplay 59-a helmet distributor? The helmet distributor has a fiber washer at the front end if the rotor to control end play.

04-10-2022, 09:16 PM	#4
41panelmark Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,264	Re: How much endplay 59-a helmet distributor? Thanks and yes it is out of a 40 , not a helmet but has the 2 caps. I also thought about the washer. If there was to much back n forth could that cause some misfire issues? I did notice that the contact that runs on the rotor rides at the very end or edge of the brass surface when the shaft is moved all of the way to one side.

04-11-2022, 06:51 AM	#5
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,751	Re: How much endplay 59-a helmet distributor? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Can use a steel washer usually found at the end of the shaft between the rotor and outer bushing.