Distributor

[Black Cat]

Hi,

Just acquired a new distributor for my 1500 Spitfire, when fitting it is there a gasket required where it drops into the engine block?

Many thanks

 

[NonMember]

The distributor itself fits into a pedestal, and has an O-ring. The pedestal to block has a thin gasket which should be selected to achieve the correct end-float on the drive gear. If you're only changing the distributor I would leave the pedestal in place and not disturb that.

[Black Cat]

Well the whole thing was removed so I will need a thin gasket. Many thanks.

 

[Pete Lewis]

if you are unsure about the end float as its all been removed its worth checking this is correct 

details in the manuals ,                no special tools just a feeler gauge 

too tight you seize the drive gear  too slack you  get a good rattle 

so fit the pedestal and feel the gear has a few thou lift  before   you add the dizzy . 

finger down the hole ( or long nosed pliers ) we hill give a simple clue ,  

Pete

 

[Sparky_Spit]

Or if you want to be really accurate, use Plastiguage in two small strips either side of the drive gear bush hole to measure the end float (upfloat?). Book figure is 2 thou to 7 thou and I managed to get 4 thou with one of my collection of gaskets.

If you happen to have the sump off you can just about get your fingers in there with a feeler gauge between the gear and the bush. Again, only if you want to be totally accurate really.