Distributor End Float

[John P]

I took the distributor (DK4A) off to fit a new drive gear bought from Jamie but noticed there is a significant degree of end-float both with the old brass gear and the new steel one.

This is around .048" even though there is a relatively thin Tufnol (?) thrust washer.   This washer seems to be OK although it's quite small in diameter so could I simply fit a steel washer between the new gear and the existing thrust washer.

Alternatively I could possibly cut a washer from the boss of the old gear which would then have the correct bore and be the same diameter as the boss of the new gear but without a lathe I'd have to try to do this by hacksawing and filing.

Any advice?

John.

[John Cornforth]

Hi

The end play should be minimal (a few thou), or the timing will vary.  From memory the standard Tufnol washer is about 30 or 40 thou.  I see no reason why a second washer should not be added to reduce play. The shaft diameter is something odd like 0.48 inches.

I have found a bit of variability in the position of the hole in the gear relative to the face of the boss.  I don't have space for a lathe, but have a couple of friends who have such beasts and just buy them a beer or two if I need a little job done like making a custom Teflon spacer - see pic. Original steel gears are hardened, but if your old one is brass you might be able to cut it down with hand tools. Filing flat could be a challenge !