Ford 850 Distributor

I've been helping my dad try to figure out his rough running issues on his Ford 850 and we're pretty sure it's time to replace the distributor. After replacing the cap and rotor we've noticed a lot of brass filings under the cap and after playing with it a little more believe the entire distributor shaft is "walking" up and down almost a quarter inch. We were looking at possibly rebuilding with new bearings (or bushings) and such, but with a complete distributor only being about $100, we decided it was worth it to just replace the whole thing. So here's the question. . . . I've worked on AMC era Jeeps a lot over the years and those guys always say to NEVER use a new distributor gear with an old drive gear or you'll wipe out the drive gear. They say to remove the drive gear from your old distributor and put it on the new one unless you're doing a complete re-build and replacing BOTH gears at once. However, I see the replacement distributor on this site comes with a new gear installed. Which gear should we use? The old or new?

Thx in advance for the help!

I would rebuild the old distributor. It is not that difficult. Then the gear is not an issue, unless it is so badly worn, it is the issue. They sell a rebuilt kit here for $40.

(quoted from post at 16:08:05 12/07/22) I've been helping my dad try to figure out his rough running issues on his Ford 850 and we're pretty sure it's time to replace the distributor. After replacing the cap and rotor we've noticed a lot of brass filings under the cap and after playing with it a little more believe the entire distributor shaft is "walking" up and down almost a quarter inch. We were looking at possibly rebuilding with new bearings (or bushings) and such, but with a complete distributor only being about $100, we decided it was worth it to just replace the whole thing. So here's the question. . . . I've worked on AMC era Jeeps a lot over the years and those guys always say to NEVER use a new distributor gear with an old drive gear or you'll wipe out the drive gear. They say to remove the drive gear from your old distributor and put it on the new one unless you're doing a complete re-build and replacing BOTH gears at once. However, I see the replacement distributor on this site comes with a new gear installed. Which gear should we use? The old or new?

Thx in advance for the help!

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've swapped them and saw no adverse affects many years later. A heavily loaded gear, such a in a differential, I would not replace just one of two mating gears, but with a virtual no-load distributor, I don't see it mattering. Just my experience and opinion.

It's always best to rebuild the original components as many new aftermarket parts are total garbage and all made in Cheena - land of NO QC - and are cloned clones of
some inferior clone. I have the original FORD MANUALS and detailed chapters on rebuilding the distributor. My email is FUBAR right now ( setting up new PC ) so don't
know how to send you copies. I would advise you replace bushing and drive gear, and get quality points from STANDARD IGNITION/BLUE STREAK, p/n FD-6769X, and NAPA
supplies them; don't get any others, junk. Use your OEM Manuals and I&T FO-20 Manual for your roadmap. I also have a list of quality part suppliers but that too is not
available right now. I'm helping my buddy with his 861 and 740 right now, and somebody had mucked up the wiring and distributor big time. Go thru entire wiring system.
Setting the timing correctly, worn bushing, and correct firing order are main suspects on non-running distributors. Worse case is to just start buying and replacing
all new parts without performing a true root cause problem solving method.

SEE IF THIS HELPS SOME...

FORD TRACTOR DISTRIBUTOR; 53-59:







Tim Daley(MI)

Rusty, I found the same issue as you, It looked like glitter under the cap. I took it apart and replaced the bushing. I reused the gear as it showed some wear, but it wasn't anywhere near a failure point. The gear has to come off to do the bushing and the hardest part of the job was getting the gear pin out. I believe it was Hobo he told me, just get mean with it . Ditto what you said about AMC's from first-hand experience.

Thanks for all the great help and replies!! Sorry it took me so long to respond, but I ended up out of town unexpectedly. My dad has already replaced the points with Napa parts (I'll check the part # used, but don't have it handy right now). I will get some parts on order but probably will not get to work on it until after the holidays now, but I do appreciate all the advice!!