Front Mount Distributor 8n Tractor

Does anyone know where to buy used or new parts for the Front Mount Distributor to totally over-haul one?
All of your knowledge shared is plenty welcome.
Walt :?:

Most of the parts are available new right here on YT.
Here's a link to the electrical section: Link
If you don't see it there, look under 9N parts also.

I checked out the YT Site. I is great. Thank you!
walt :!:

BIL bought a 9N distributor from this site, it was made like crap. Could not use the points that were mounted in it, tractor would not run. We had to pry the points off the pivot point and could not get a new set of points to set back in place. I filed the pivot so that the new set would go down to the base, then the adjusting screw was to small to open the points correctly. Tractor still not running yet.

" to totally over-haul one?"

Unless you've got some unusual wear, all that usually needs to be replaced is the insulator & the bushings. Or, you can spend a lot of money buying inferior parts that didn't need to be replaced.

Have you mic'd the shaft?

The first thing you need to check is bushing wear. If the shaft has any sideways movement AT ALL, the bushings must be replaced. (see below)

Unscrew the plate hold down screw & remove the C clip to get the plate out. Remove the shaft & weights. The weights should freely move

The insulator is under the brass concave head screw & where the copper strip attaches. (it’s fiber & will wear out; poke & prod w/ your meter leads to make sure it still works) If you need to replace the insulator, use a .250 x 3/8 nylon square nylon anchor nut available at most big box home stores


There are three ways to replace the bushings in a front distributor:

1. Buy new bushings (part numbers 9N12120 front & 18-12132 rear). Press out the old ones, press in the new ones and ream to fit. CAUTION: do not try this unless you have a press & know how to use it. If you break the base, a new one costs $130. If you bend the tower which holds the front bushing, a new plate will cost you $30.

2. Take the new bushings and distributor to your local machine shop.

3. Send the distributor out for bushing replacement if you do not have a local machine shop.

Make sure your distributor isn’t worn out; check the wear parts with a micrometer and compare what you have to the factory specs (below).


Factory Specs:

Shaft top .4367 / .4370
Shaft Bottom .8625 / .8630
Cam Flats .789 / .791
Cam Lobes .869 / .871
Base Tang .177 / .178
75 Tips

Thank you Bruce (VA). Your advise is a great help. I copied it and will put into my notebook for working on my 1948 ford 8n.
walt

Walt-
The N-Series front mount distributor is made to pull off and rebuild right on your workbench, kitchen table, or church pew. Two bolts hold it on with a nut securing the coil wire on top. Tune-up kits are available with points, condenser, a dab of lube oil, and instructions. You must be careful and get the better kits as cheaper kits use plastic points and they are junk. Use Blue Streak or Echlin brand -try nnalert for parts, you won't go wrong. You can also get a new bushing if needed. If you need it, I will rebuild you front mount and you just pay shipping and parts. My email is open...


[i:654c4848f0][b:654c4848f0]<font size="4">Tim Daley(MI)</font>[/b:654c4848f0][/i:654c4848f0]<table width="100" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="#000000"><tr><td height="25" colspan="2" bgcolor="#CC0000"></td></tr><tr><td> </td><td></td></tr></table>

Walt-

email me...

-Tim

Tim,
I appreciate your offer and expertise concerning the 8n front mount distributor. This information is very helpful!
regards
walt

(quoted from post at 21:12:43 01/22/15) BIL bought a 9N distributor from this site, it was made like crap. Could not use the points that were mounted in it, tractor would not run. We had to pry the points off the pivot point and could not get a new set of points to set back in place. I filed the pivot so that the new set would go down to the base, then the adjusting screw was to small to open the points correctly. Tractor still not running yet.

Click to expand...

I got the same POS distributor. I tried to pry out the points to install the Blue Streak points and the mounting post came loose from the plate.

Anyone know where to get a decent replacement distributor?

Hello Tim;
I can't find your e-mail or I would contact you.
regards
walt :?

Why would you buy an entire distributor when all you need is the plate?

These guys should be able to help you w/ used parts:

John Smith smith8NATatt.net

Rod Mondor fltractorATpeoplepc.com

Replace the AT in the address w/ @

Worst case is that a used plate might need the insulator replaced. Post back for info on how to do that if need be.

Thank you Bruce for your helpful information. I hope to be back in touch with you.
sincerely,
walt