Norm Clark
New User
Old Delco Remy Ignition Distributors Reply to specific post Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post
Sometime ago, I read a post about the advance plate rotor mechanism on a JD 60, if memory serves me correctly. There was some erroneous advice given. This is the part with the cam on it...it opens the points. It is supposed to rotate freely, approximately 30 degrees, around the upper portion of the distributor shaft. As the distributor rotor speed increases, centrifugal force moves flyweights outward, turning the cam rotor to the right, against spring pressure, and mechanically advances the timing. It is a function of crankshaft RPM. At rest, the little springs pull the flyweights back in which rotates the cam rotor back to its static setting, which is the zero advance setting for easier starting.
I just dismantled two old DR distributors as removed from a derelict Allis WC and a WD. Both of the advancing cam rotors were seized on the distributor shafts thus rendering the mechanical advances inoperative. There is supposed to be a little felt pad tucked down inside the top of the cam rotor...it sits on top of the distributor shaft, right under the rotor cap, and it must be oiled regularly. The oil seeps down into the oilite bronze bushing. Based on numerous threads and conversations with old Allis owners, this must be an oft overlooked and/or misunderstood subject.
The lower portion of the distributor shaft must be oiled too. There is a pipe plug in the lower housing that can be removed so the inside of the housing can be topped off with 20 weight oil...I use Marvel Mystery oil with no problems...the shaft has grooves machined into it, like gun barrel rifling, that moves the oil upward inside the oilite bearing...simple but effective.
In summary, the cam rotor must rotate freely about the upper portion of the distributor, approximately 30 degrees depending on the engine's advance timing specs, and it needs to be serviced with oil.
Thanks in advance for checking out my first post!
Sometime ago, I read a post about the advance plate rotor mechanism on a JD 60, if memory serves me correctly. There was some erroneous advice given. This is the part with the cam on it...it opens the points. It is supposed to rotate freely, approximately 30 degrees, around the upper portion of the distributor shaft. As the distributor rotor speed increases, centrifugal force moves flyweights outward, turning the cam rotor to the right, against spring pressure, and mechanically advances the timing. It is a function of crankshaft RPM. At rest, the little springs pull the flyweights back in which rotates the cam rotor back to its static setting, which is the zero advance setting for easier starting.
I just dismantled two old DR distributors as removed from a derelict Allis WC and a WD. Both of the advancing cam rotors were seized on the distributor shafts thus rendering the mechanical advances inoperative. There is supposed to be a little felt pad tucked down inside the top of the cam rotor...it sits on top of the distributor shaft, right under the rotor cap, and it must be oiled regularly. The oil seeps down into the oilite bronze bushing. Based on numerous threads and conversations with old Allis owners, this must be an oft overlooked and/or misunderstood subject.
The lower portion of the distributor shaft must be oiled too. There is a pipe plug in the lower housing that can be removed so the inside of the housing can be topped off with 20 weight oil...I use Marvel Mystery oil with no problems...the shaft has grooves machined into it, like gun barrel rifling, that moves the oil upward inside the oilite bearing...simple but effective.
In summary, the cam rotor must rotate freely about the upper portion of the distributor, approximately 30 degrees depending on the engine's advance timing specs, and it needs to be serviced with oil.
Thanks in advance for checking out my first post!
