Distributor spin on itself

[ajent]

OK. It was installed correctly. What should it be torqued down to? I had to force to remove the bolt when I took it off. Prior to removing, I could not turn the unit by hand. However, with all the wires unplugged from the cap, when I turned the key the entire unit would rotate.

Torque spec is around 25 ftlb, but it's not very important. Just tighten it.
Without the lock tab tightened down, the distributor can rotate 360° all day.
With the lock tab tightened down, it can't spin unless something is very wrong.

You need to look, either the bushings are so worn out that the rotor is catching on the cap, or the shaft has gotten rusty and is seizing in the bushings

 

[Mtl-Diesel]

OK. So I wasn't able to get to it last night to inspect further. I did however come across a replacement distributor from a 1972 Mercruiser 120. Would this be the same? The gentleman was not able to give me a part number. I figured I would grab it as I am doubtful based on the conversation so far that my distributor is "OK". Any thoughts?

 

[kenny nunez]

If you get the distributor remove the breaker plate first to be sure that this one is not coming apart. Then see if you can wiggle the shaft where it protrudes from the lower section above the gear. Having a extra bushing installed just above the gear will result in a smoother running engine.

 

[Mtl-Diesel]

Now I'm wondering if I shouldn't just go with a new replacement? And if I do, should I convert to Electronic? What do I need if I do?

 

[Scott Danforth]

dont wast money on a replacment dizzy, most likely the next used one you buy will be in worst shape. New bushings are about $2-3 each (under $5). so if you have $10 in your pocket, a can of brake cleaner, 10 minutes worth of time, a vice, a hammer and a punch, you can swap the bushings in your distributor in less time than it takes to drink a beer

no benefit to go to the electronic conversion unless you go with a delco voyager setup (about $400). I have done two pertronix conversions and ended up going back to points in both as they both failed. YMMV

however not at thing wrong with points if you properly maintain the boat.

so pull your distributor

pull the points

see if the shaft wiggles - if it does, put new bushings in it.

then re-install and properly tighten the clamp.

 

[Mtl-Diesel]

dont wast money on a replacment dizzy, most likely the next used one you buy will be in worst shape. New bushings are about $2-3 each (under $5). so if you have $10 in your pocket, a can of brake cleaner, 10 minutes worth of time, a vice, a hammer and a punch, you can swap the bushings in your distributor in less time than it takes to drink a beer

no benefit to go to the electronic conversion unless you go with a delco voyager setup (about $400). I have done two pertronix conversions and ended up going back to points in both as they both failed. YMMV

however not at thing wrong with points if you properly maintain the boat.

so pull your distributor

pull the points

see if the shaft wiggles - if it does, put new bushings in it.

then re-install and properly tighten the clamp.

Is there a diagram on line as to how to take it apart? Step by step? Or should it be quite obvious?
Thanks for all the help and advice guys!

 

[Scott Danforth]

if you have a rudimentary understanding of mechanical things, its quite obvious.

pull cap
pull rotor
and now wiggle side to side.

if no movement bushings most likely fine

if movement, continue on below.

take photos along the way if its your first time

pull dizzy
pull cap
remove breaker and condensor
remove breaker plate
knock pin out of gear
pull gear off (and thrust washer)
pull shaft up out of housing
check shaft - repair or turn as needed (note this may not be a DIY step, and in most cases if the shaft is that buggered up, get a new dizzy)
knock out bushings
get replacement bushings based on shaft diameter
install bushings
lube shaft, and install
install gear and thrust washer
drive in pin
install breaker plate
install breakers and condensor
install dizzy
gap points
verify dwell
install cap
start motor
set timing.

 

[Mtl-Diesel]

So finally took it apart. This is what I get. (see pics) Only movement of the shaft is up & down slightly. Otherwise no movement. Is there a rebuild kit available?

 

[Mtl-Diesel]

I'm guessing I am SOL at this point and will need to buy a new one? Crazy expensive up here in Canada. Best I could find is almost $600. I'm lost now. ;-(

 

[tank1949]

Ok. I looked carefully at the distributor again. It looks fine. Everything spins that should. Nothing appears seized. Is it possible through vibration the bolt loosened enough to allow it to spin under pressure but still feel tight as I removed it? Just throwing S*&# at the wall....

Maybe bolt was marginally too long and didn't apply enough pressure and over time gave way? You are lucky that the motor didn't warp a valve with too much distributor advance.

 

[kenny nunez]

It looks like my post #13 was on the mark. This is not the first time I have seen this type of destruction. Do like I advised on #23 and with the Petronics on the breaker plate you will probably be back in the water running good. If you cannot find a good distributor I probably can find one down here and can send it to you.

 

[kenny nunez]

It looks like my post #13 was on the mark. This is not the first time I have seen this type of destruction. Do like I advised on #23 and with the Petronics on the breaker plate you will probably be back in the water running good. If you cannot find a good distributor I probably can find one down here and can send it to you.

 

[ajent]

Yikes..that thing is mauled. You'll need to find new or used. If new is that bad, hunt down a used one online or at a local marina.

 

[Mtl-Diesel]

Would this be a good replacement? I can get this cheaper than a standard replacement unit.

 

[Bondo]

Would this be a good replacement?

Ayuh,..... State of the art,.....

 

[Mtl-Diesel]

Ayuh,..... State of the art,.....

Great. I'm going to be travelling in California next week so I'll order and have it shipped to my hotel ahead of time. I assume fairly easy to install/modify? Worth the effort?

 

[Scott Danforth]

your old dizzy is not salvageable by the pics

the voyager is what Volvo and Mercruiser are using as that is what GM switched to.

easy to install.

 

[Mtl-Diesel]

Alright. Voyageur ordered. Should be here tomorrow afternoon. Decided to have it shipped home as I want it this weekend! ;-) Update to follow.

Thanks guys!

 

[Mtl-Diesel]

So just want to keep y'all updated on my issue. Arrived home late last night and box of parts were sitting on the dining room table. I'll post back once installed for a report. Out to the boat I go!

 

[Tycer]

Excellent.