Just inherited a 1940 Special Deluxe Cabriolet with a 40+ resto and engine rebuild and noticed that when the engine is running, the distributor moves. And to clarify it does not rotate except when the vacuum advance does so. It actually moves around. I am thinking it may be the bushing in the block that the shaft slips into. If so does anyone know where to get one and can it be removed and installed from up top or via the oil pan?
Any info would be great.
thanx
Removal and installation of the distributor can be done from the top no need to remove the oil pan
Jianis
I have had it out and replaced it with a rebuilt unIt so I know the distributor is not the issue and it seems to be completely seated in the block.
If you are talking about the distributor wobble at idle, I believe that is considered normal. My 216 does it and has done so for the 18K miles that I have put on it so far.
I just got what you mean.
More modern cars change the ignition timing moving internal parts of the distributor when vacuum changes.
In the case of the 216 the complete distributors moves as the vacuum is changing.If you installed the distributor according to the manual you will be fine.
Jianis
I understand the vacuum advance will rotate the distributor and mine works fine, but old216 hit the nail on the head. The distributor wobbles at idle and smooths old a lot when the engine is revved. Just very strange to see it wobble, never seen it happen in 60's or 70's engines.
I understand the vacuum advance will rotate the distributor and mine works fine, but old216 hit the nail on the head. The distributor wobbles at idle and smooths old a lot when the engine is revved. Just very strange to see it wobble, never seen it happen in 60's or 70's engines.
In this case I should advice you to use a vacuum gage to determine if your manifold vacuum is steady at idle.If it is not you have to pinpoint the problems elsewhere other than the distributor
Jianis
To all, when i replaced the distributor, it looked as if there was a bushing lower in the block where the lower end of the shaft slid into. I know there is no bushing on the on the top where the larger part of the distributor goes in. Also it seems as if it slips all the way in the block leaving room only for the vacuum advance to attach to the shaft. I have no problem with vacuum the top and wipers work fine and the car runs ok no evidence of a vacuum leak.
I could be wrong, but I don't know of any bushing in the block. Could your distributer shaft be slightly sprung?
Only if two were sprung the same way, i just installed a rebuilt from chevs of the 40 and it does the same thing.
Edgar
It seems like I saw one that did that years ago but I don't know the cause or the cure. Hopefully some one will come up with some help.
The distributor will rotate due to the vacuum advance.
A slight wobble is not uncommon, some did it from new on.
To all, when i replaced the distributor, it looked as if there was a bushing lower in the block where the lower end of the shaft slid into. I know there is no bushing on the on the top where the larger part of the distributor goes in. Also it seems as if it slips all the way in the block leaving room only for the vacuum advance to attach to the shaft. I have no problem with vacuum the top and wipers work fine and the car runs ok no evidence of a vacuum leak.
I think he is looking at the oil pump when he refers to (a bushing in )lower end.
Not sure, just looking into the block when the distributor is out and the hole inside the block the bottom part of the distributor shaft slides into. It seems to move wobble more than a little, but I don't have anything to compare it to
How's Hubbard, my car is from Youngstown, Austintown actually, only been in Florida for 6 months. It was my father in law's, a member of the Mahoning Valley Olde Car club.
Edgar
I can get rid of this nasty old problem for you. Just transfer the car to me (tee hee). I can come and get it any time! Beamer
I was hoping Chevgene would reply to this, he knows these old cars better than most of us, if he says it is not unusual I don't think I would worry about a little wobble.
I would not be overly worried about a slight movement due to the vacuum advance design.
Tony
Perhaps the "tongue" that fits into the oil pump drive slot has a slight bend in it?
Note that Chevgene did respond.
Yes, he said it was not uncommon and some did it from new.
Many years ago, like back in about 1951, we were viewing a Chevrolet service repair movie at a shop meeting. It showed doing something to the engine which was running at an idle speed and you could see the distributor wobbling - and we all had a good laugh.
First the distributor is a loose fit where it rides in the block which is necessary so it can be easily rotated by the vacuum advance. This would allow wobble - which dosen't hurt anything.
Thanx to everyone for all the feedback. It runs and runs ok with the wobble, won't worry about it. Just drive and enjoy!
Edgar
