Ford 8N Side Mount Distributor Questions

So, in fixing my issue on the last thread, its led me to find some issues with the distributor. Some questions that I couldn't find the answer to online...

Side Mount, 8N

1. There was a bunch of oil in the base of the distributor. I assume this is not normal. Does it ride up the shaft, or how the heck does that much oil get in there?! Is some oil normal? There was slight play with the bushing, so gonna replace that.

2. My distributor does not have an oiler assy like I see pictured online. It does have something there, looks like a little button on the side. See picture. Perhaps this is not functioning correctly? Perhaps the oil assy broke off and this is all that's left? Anyone know a part number for this, assuming I should replace? And how it works, not sure if that button is to put oil in or let oil escape, assuming the latter, but...

3. Where the heck can one get a thrust washer? B4A12179A Haven't had any real luck online. Anyone know the dimensions of the washer, aka is this something I could buy at Lowes, etc?

4. Anyone know where to buy the cam, but not already connected to the weights? Or should I not even try to mess with that? (I can pretty much buy a new distributor for the price it takes to get the cam/weights!). The cam play was very slight, so I was going to take a shot at replacing the other bushing, and hope its good enough.


Thanks in advance!

1. "There was a bunch of oil in the base of the distributor. I assume this is not normal. Does it ride up the shaft, or how the heck does that much oil get in there?! Is some oil normal? There was slight play with the bushing, so gonna replace that."

A clogged crankcase breather, excessive blowby, and w worn distributor bushing could all contribute to oil being in the distributor.



2. "My distributor does not have an oiler assy like I see pictured online. It does have something there, looks like a little button on the side. See picture. Perhaps this is not functioning correctly? Perhaps the oil assy broke off and this is all that"s left? Anyone know a part number for this, assuming I should replace? And how it works, not sure if that button is to put oil in or let oil escape, assuming the latter, but..."

The ball in your oiler gets depressed by the tip of the pump oil can spout, allowing oil to enter, then closes when the tip of the spout is removed.

3. "Where the heck can one get a thrust washer? B4A12179A Haven"t had any real luck online. Anyone know the dimensions of the washer, aka is this something I could buy at Lowes, etc?"

You could try giving Messick"s a call to see if they can still be ordered through NH... 877-260-3528. They are a thin, hardened steel washer. I will try to remember to post back with dimensions.

4. "Anyone know where to buy the cam, but not already connected to the weights? Or should I not even try to mess with that? (I can pretty much buy a new distributor for the price it takes to get the cam/weights!). The cam play was very slight, so I was going to take a shot at replacing the other bushing, and hope its good enough."

No.
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Dang Bob, you sure are smart! Thanks for the reply. I ended up finding a washer (couple places had them, around $25, must be some fancy metal!).

Everything else makes sense. Thanks for the reply!

mcewan79, I ain't SMART! Just old and MEAN and crotchety and CHEAP!