ford 8n front distributor trouble?

dave ju

New User
I am installing points on my front mount 8n distributor, and noticed the square thing that the points ride against that opens and closes them has about 1/8" of play back and forth on the shaft. I have the distributor on the bench in the shop and want to time it the 1/4" method I"ve seen posted here. Does anyone know if the square thing (sorry I don"t know its name) is supposed to have slack or to be tight on the center shaft. Thanks.
 
I believe the square thing your talking about is the distributor shaft. 1/8" of plays is a lot.

You have worn bushings and will never be able to set points or time it properly.

Bushings are available here and easily replaced.
 
As JC said, it shouldn't slop around like that.
There's a bushing at the front and one at the rear.
About $7 plus shipping from YT. Links below.
Rear and Front
Pay attention to order quantity.
You may have to order two even though you only need one.
Right now. There's always "another one". ;)
 

I think I was told that the lower bushing goes in fine with a few taps - the upper bushing you have to be super careful with as you may damage/bend the bracket it is in - maybe try the bottom one first and see if that takes up the slop.

Lee
 
Hi thanks for all the replies. If you are looking straight at the distributor,(the square thing) that opens the points that looks like it is pressed onto the distributor shaft can move left to right about 1/8" therefore changing the timing that the points open and close. If this is not normal can it be fixed or do I need to replace it? Just trying to get information before I have to buy a new distributor.
 
Not knowing the name of a part is an easy fix; check out tip # 39 at the link.

Even a $19.99 toaster comes with an operating manual. That 60+ year old tractor has more moving parts than your toaster. You need the manuals.

Re Harold's question......if it's an up & down movement, no problem. Sideways movement is always a problem.

The "square thing" is called the distributor cam. It sits on the shaft. If the bushings at the front & rear of the shaft are worn, the shaft moves. If the shaft moves, it effects point dwell. And that's a no-no.

You have three choices.

1. Buy a new distributor plate. It comes w/ the front bushing installed. And it will have a new insulator as well. (save the concave head brass screw from the old plate because new ones don't come w/ them) You will still need to buy & install the rear bushing.

2. Buy both bushings & take the distributor to a machine shop. While the bushings seldom require reaming to fit, some do. And that's more of an art than a skill.

3. Do it yourself. If you want to try it, make 100% sure the "tower" on the plate is firmly supported before you try to press out the old bushing & install the new one. Distort the tower & you will be buying a new plate.

And in case you're wondering:

Rear Bushing ID .863

Front Bushing ID .437

Shaft top .436

Shaft Bottom .863
75 Tips
 
I don't think I am describing the trouble clearly. The cam has side to side about 1/8" movement on the distributor shaft. This does not seem right to me, if not can it be fixed? It would seem to me that the cam should not move at all to keep it timed correctly if this is the case I don't think new bushings will help, but I am not an expert on this engine. Thanks for all the help.
 
(quoted from post at 15:52:57 05/01/13) I don't think I am describing the trouble clearly. The cam has side to side about 1/8" movement on the distributor shaft. This does not seem right to me, if not can it be fixed? It would seem to me that the cam should not move at all to keep it timed correctly if this is the case I don't think new bushings will help, but I am not an expert on this engine. Thanks for all the help.

They understand the problem, the bushing is worn and letting the cam move too much. Either replace both bushings -OR- the plate that the points attach to (includes new bushing) and the end bushing. That will fix you up and you can adjust the points. Check the point gap on each lobe of the cam. Good luck with it and post back when you have it fixed and your results!
 
I know the bushings are in the plate and the distributor body, and this is not the problem. I have the shaft assembly out of the distributor, and the square cam has side to side movement on the shaft about 1/8" is this normal if so I have no problem, but it just doesn't seem right.
 
You are correct, bushings will not help that and it's not right.
I wouldn't want to try to weld it or anything because I wouldn't get it centered.
I would replace the shaft. They sell them on this site and elsewhere.
 
(quoted from post at 16:14:27 05/01/13) I know the bushings are in the plate and the distributor body, and this is not the problem. I have the shaft assembly out of the distributor, and the square cam has side to side movement on the shaft about 1/8" is this normal if so I have no problem, but it just doesn't seem right.

Ahh, it seems I didn't read correctly what you were saying! Sorry. I think you got good advice now on what to do. Let us know how it works out.
 

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