ford flathead motor noise

Im struggling with a noise in my 53 merc motor. Put in a bubba's distributor and now it runs good but it wobbles and now there is a bad noise in that area. Almost like the valves were loose on the number one cyclinder. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

What wobbles, the distributor? Did the noise start after the distributor swap? If so swap the old distributor back in and see if the noise goes away.

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I'll add my 2 cents. Late Ford flatheads had two basic types of distributors; one with shaft that extended about 5/8" beyond the gear, and one with no extension. I believe that there was also a difference in the upper part of the shaft where the support area was smaller. I believe a Merc had the distributor with the extended shaft. I have experience with GMC Bubba, and can't believe he supplied a distributor that didn't fit properly. If the GM distrbutor doesn't have the extended shaft, the solution might be as simple as swapping a Ford front timing cover for the Merc. Get back to Bubba, I'm sure he can set this straight.

 

It's the distributor that wobbles. And I agree bubba seems like a stand up guy. I'll quiz him Monday. First I'll compare the two distributors and I'll report my findings. Thanks for the replies

 

You were right on. My distributor has the extended shaft and the one I got from bubba does not. Thanks guys the H.A.M.B. rocks

 

Was this problem ever solved? If so, how, and if not why not. Threads like this that leave you hanging always disappoint me a little.

 

I believe the bubba dizzy has a shaft that works with both front covers.

 

You could just change the front cover.