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Old 08-11-2019, 06:03 PM   #1
mastersculptor
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Default Rotor too big for distributor shaft on Ford 8ba flathead v8

I have a 239 ci Ford flathead v8 I went to do a tune up and discovered that the rotor was too large to snugly fit on the distributor shaft! I ordered a new rotor it was the same ! I discovered that someone had cut a small section from a beer can and placed it in the rotor cap ! I tried this again and I had the same problem it would run for awhile and then quit! Has anyone ever run into this problem? Can I buy a smaller rotor to fit? I am about ready to buy an electronic ignition and go to something that will work, anyone know which is the best distributor for an 8ba 239 ci. Flathead v8?
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Old 08-11-2019, 06:17 PM   #2
Bob C
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Default Re: Rotor too big for distributor shaft on Ford 8ba flathead v8

I think you are missing a part that fits on the distributor shaft.
Retainer part 7RA-12213-B flat crown type, or 0BA-12213 "C" clamp type


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Last edited by Bob C; 08-11-2019 at 06:50 PM.
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Old 08-11-2019, 06:46 PM   #3
mastersculptor
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Default Re: Rotor too big for distributor shaft on Ford 8ba flathead v8

I ordered a part like that it did not seem to fit well enough for the rotor cap to fit over the retainer clip! I will check your part number against what I ordered! Thank you
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Old 08-12-2019, 08:57 AM   #4
uncle buck
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Default Re: Rotor too big for distributor shaft on Ford 8ba flathead v8

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Originally Posted by mastersculptor View Post
I ordered a part like that it did not seem to fit well enough for the rotor cap to fit over the retainer clip! I will check your part number against what I ordered! Thank you

make sure you have the flat tab pointed up on the flat part of the shaft too
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Old 08-12-2019, 07:21 PM   #5
mastersculptor
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Default Re: Rotor too big for distributor shaft on Ford 8ba flathead v8

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make sure you have the flat tab pointed up on the flat part of the shaft too
I tried the Oba c clamp and it slipped down too far and did not hold the rotor ! I tried to order the 7RA -12213-B flat crown type from Macs and they Did not have it in stock do you know where I might order one of these?
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Old 08-13-2019, 08:41 AM   #6
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Default Re: Rotor too big for distributor shaft on Ford 8ba flathead v8

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You can get a rotor at NAPA # FA-67 and I believe the clip might even be the same on a 65 Mustang or Falcon 6 cylinder and possibly Ford 8-N and 9-N tractors if you have a Mustang or farm/tractor supply store near you
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Old 08-13-2019, 12:17 PM   #7
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Default Re: Rotor too big for distributor shaft on Ford 8ba flathead v8

I got a 5-pack from flea-pay when last I needed them. Most of the load-o-matics had some form of clip and all the non-diesel Ford tractors with the conventional type distributor had them up into the 60s. I always keep spares. They are easily dropped or otherwise misplaced when performing ignition work. On the tractor, I usually drop it in the weeds when looking the rotor & cap over.
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Old 08-15-2019, 06:09 PM   #8
mastersculptor
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Default Re: Rotor too big for distributor shaft on Ford 8ba flathead v8

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You can get a rotor at NAPA # FA-67 and I believe the clip might even be the same on a 65 Mustang or Falcon 6 cylinder and possibly Ford 8-N and 9-N tractors if you have a Mustang or farm/tractor supply store near you
I went to NAPA they ordered rotor FA -67 and it turned out to be too big just like the one I had to shim! They did not have the flat crown type rotor clip and the other clip did not fit ! I will look for a farm tractor supply next!
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Old 08-15-2019, 07:48 PM   #9
Bob C
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Default Re: Rotor too big for distributor shaft on Ford 8ba flathead v8

Have you tried contacting Bubba? http://www.bubbasignition.com/
[email protected]
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Old 08-15-2019, 11:39 PM   #10
uncle buck
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Default Re: Rotor too big for distributor shaft on Ford 8ba flathead v8

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I went to NAPA they ordered rotor FA -67 and it turned out to be too big just like the one I had to shim! They did not have the flat crown type rotor clip and the other clip did not fit ! I will look for a farm tractor supply next!


It definitely is too big without the clip. The clip is required for the rotor to fit properly without wobbling all over
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Old 08-16-2019, 04:26 AM   #11
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Default Re: Rotor too big for distributor shaft on Ford 8ba flathead v8

We stock the clips nos, there are a mere $1.95
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Old 08-16-2019, 08:31 AM   #12
51 MERC-CT
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Default Re: Rotor too big for distributor shaft on Ford 8ba flathead v8

The rotor should have the same 3/8" slip fit as the shaft.
As previously stated the clip is what keeps the rotor from moving radially and snugs it up axially.

It is possible that you have the 7RA version that has a different clip arrangement but I believe that the mount shaft should still be 3/8" dia.


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Old 08-16-2019, 09:36 AM   #13
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Default Re: Rotor too big for distributor shaft on Ford 8ba flathead v8

Nice job 51 MERC !
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