8N distributor (Attn Dell(WA)

I posted here a week or two back, tractor sputtered uphill, died out, after shop tune-up.
I had checked fuel line/carb. Dell suggested check distributor.

I got the F04 manual, got around and took off dist. I looked in it, read book. When I turn the cam, the points are to open & close right?

They DONT.... I tried turning the "eccentric" screw. It will only turn a little each way with no effect. Is it a lefty-loosy screw and if I REEF on it could I cause damage? You gave me a part number. Was that the "eccentric screw?"
What is my next move?
Thank you all for your patience with us who are clueless....

Kevin S.

As I understand, you have a frontmount distributor (according to Dell) and the point gap is 0.015" ( not 0.025" - which would be for the sidemount distributor - without a ballast resistor). Perhaps you made a mistake and not Dell.

Get back to me if you need help - the "eccentric" is only an "adjustment tool" but the other screws have to be loosened enough so that the adjustment can take place. After the correct gap is made, tightening can generally alter the gap. It must be checked several times - and and Ohm meter is invaluable to insure that you acturally have a "make-and-break" situation.

Always open here.

Kind regards.
L and C Ranch

Yes, the cam turns and opens the points and points spring closes the gap.

The frontmount distributor points are mounted by a plated short brass screw, (p/n 355047-S7, #8-32 X 3/16 fillister head screw w/washer), in a slot in the points base. The point 0.025 point gap is manually set by wedge-ing a screwdriver blade in a notch in the points base and twisting against the friction of the mounting screw. (that you have to re-tighten after you get the gap set)

You do all this (after you've removed the frontmount distributor's 2-bolts) on your kitchen table. Since the distributor is driven by an "off-set" cam drive, you can't re-install it incorrectly.

And yes, the screws are traditional lefty-loosy, righty-tighty. And YES, you can reef down on the points mounting screw 50 in/oz (or whatever feels tight to you) And yes, your points attachment screw threads can actually wear out, and yes, if its worn out, it will strip, no big deal, new screw is 50 cents..... ..... Dell

Im quite certain you all pointed me in right direction. I unloosened the screws, used the screw with the crossed slots (referred to as eccentric in the FO-4 manual) to check/adjust the gap. The points wouldn't move. I looked at the piece under the cotter key, thought it might be worn. Took the whole distributor to local New Holland/long time dealer. Showed to parts guy. He futzed with it just like I did...Gave up and grabbed mechanic from shop. We all looked it over. Mechanic took apart and looked at cam,compared to new....Looks like Ike's (named for original owner) 54 year old distributor shaft plum wore out. Replaced it, gapped drove home put back on tractor.....
Then fire pager went off.....tune in tomorrow to see if it starts.

Kevin S.