I'm sure this has been answered more than once, but can't seem to find anything in the archives. Just finished rewiring the 860 today with a 12v conversion, pertronix ignition upgrade and coil. It was running ok, but definitely not quite right. After multiple attempts with timing and carb adjustments, we decided to check the weights in the distributor to make sure they were good. Turns out not so much. Not only were they sticking but a couple of the springs were broke off. I've been looking for new cam and weights assembly, but only seem to be able to find ones for an 8n. Does anyone have a part number or resource as to where to find these? Really need to get this back up and moving soon. Thanks
- Thread starter J.Mc
- Start date
M-MAN
Well-known Member
- Location
- Bostic, NC
Polish and oil the weights and posts.
Your local Advance or other parts house
will have distributor advance spring kits
on the shelf. Probably Mr Gasket. Just
match your springs as close as you can to
the new ones and life will be good again.
Your local Advance or other parts house
will have distributor advance spring kits
on the shelf. Probably Mr Gasket. Just
match your springs as close as you can to
the new ones and life will be good again.
I just checked the two sources that I thought would have what you need but neither do. Apparently, there is insufficient demand in the aftermarket.
You may need to find a salvage distributor. Alternatively, complete aftermarket distributors are available but they cost around $250.
You do indeed need a functioning mechanical advance mechanism, and you are asking for trouble without one.
Dean
You may need to find a salvage distributor. Alternatively, complete aftermarket distributors are available but they cost around $250.
You do indeed need a functioning mechanical advance mechanism, and you are asking for trouble without one.
Dean
M-MAN
Well-known Member
- Location
- Bostic, NC
Pretty sure the 860 used an autolite distributor. The spring kits are performance parts and made for autolite, motorcraft, and delco distributors. They are in blister packs with several different sizes so hot rodders can vary the advance. At our Advance they are hanging on the wall with the chrome valve covers and other hot rod stuff.
M-MAN
Well-known Member
- Location
- Bostic, NC
Just an assumption. My bad.
We do have an old tractor salvage yard and parts supply about 40 min. from my house, however I just called and they are closed for the next 10 days or so due to their local 4H fair. My next question would be if the NAA's used the same weight advancement as the 860 since we have one that's been sitting for a while with a bad governor. Could I use the parts from it (assuming their good of course) and just replace the distributor on the NAA when the time comes? Just a thought..
Save your self some trouble. Tractors almost always run at one of two speeds, idle while hooking up eqmt or at governed speed at work. So with broken springs, it will be at full advance at governed speeds, just as it would with good springs. Therefore, instead of setting for the usual static advance, set for total (static + centrifugal) and all will be well. Using timing light, set throttle to governed speed & use timing light & set to 25 degrees and go run it. Been running my SMTA like that for years. you know, until I get "around to it." 
M-MAN
Well-known Member
- Location
- Bostic, NC
Messicks is showing the cam & weight assembly for $124. Probably need to call with your number.
(quoted from post at 07:45:45 07/20/19) Save your self some trouble. Tractors almost always run at one of two speeds, idle while hooking up eqmt or at governed speed at work. So with broken springs, it will be at full advance at governed speeds, just as it would with good springs. Therefore, instead of setting for the usual static advance, set for total (static + centrifugal) and all will be well. Using timing light, set throttle to governed speed & use timing light & set to 25 degrees and go run it. Been running my SMTA like that for years. you know, until I get "around to it."
Thanks for the advice JMOR. I know all about the "get around to it " time. That's why this sat in the weeds for the last 3 years...
Andy Wickiser
Member
It appears the cam & weights assy is the same for the NAA and 860.
My Ford 4 Cylinder Parts List 1953/64 shows the assembly was the
same from 53 to 57. 53 and 54 were NAA years and 55-57 were 860
years. See picture below.
<img src =https://i.postimg.cc/q73WpBK1/Dist-Weights.jpg>
My Ford 4 Cylinder Parts List 1953/64 shows the assembly was the
same from 53 to 57. 53 and 54 were NAA years and 55-57 were 860
years. See picture below.
<img src =https://i.postimg.cc/q73WpBK1/Dist-Weights.jpg>
tractorguy2
Well-known Member
I think the side mount 8n distributor is the same one as the 800
series.
series.
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