My flathead (230) distributor shaft has a 1/8 wear mark on the lower tang where it inserts into the oil pump gear. That seems like it would affect the timing but I wanted the experts here on the hamb before I spend >200$ for a replacement. (I can't test it as I am still reassembling the engine)Prior to the rebuild I did get it to run but it was missing badly hence the teardown. (found a few worn exhaust valves/guides, several slightly bent intake valve shafts and the carb is iffy) at best so I am not sure what the exact cause of the missing/stumbling. Anybody think this amount of wear is excessive?
Having rebuilt several flat head mopars, I woiuld go ahead and use it. I would be more concerned with the vacuum advance. A replacement Distributor is easy to come by
Do you by chance have a parts diagram? I have never disassembled a distributor but would like to remove the breaker plate assy and clean/paint the dizzy. I have found a new breaker plate, vac adv, but I not sure what else is in there. Is there anything to rebuilding one of these?
My memory is a bit fuzzy, but I think it's pretty basic. Get the coller off the bottom, and the shaft should slide out the top. Here's the pic from my '55's service manual. The wear on the tang doesn't affect the timing because it is always loaded against that surface when it's spinning. Therefor, when you set the timing, you're already compensating for the wear.
The Jalopy Journal
