FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Can anybody tell me if you should be able to easily remove the top section of the rotor shaft from the bottom section when all the plates etc are removed from inside the body of the distributor.  When cleaning up the distributor I noticed the mechanical advance weights were not moving.  After dismantling I found the top section of the rotor shaft was jammed.  I am having great difficulty in removing this top section.  Looking at the exploded diagram in the service manual indicates to me that this should be possible. Am I wrong? The felt washers were quite oily but none seems to have penetrated down the shaft. 

Keith

Keith,

The top part should freely rotate on that shaft. The weights cause this rotate giving you centrifugal advance. To take off you need to carefully remove the springs attached to the weight paying particular attention to where they go. They are a bugger to get back on so you may like to free the shaft up while its in place. I would remove the felt squirting some lubricate dowh the hole and then try and free up.

I had the same problem a few years back and it was well worth the time and effort tot free up this up. Hope this maybe of help.

Rod

Rod

I have done all of the above but the top section is still VERY tight.  It appears as though it may have some rust on the shaft.  I have partly removed it.  Weights are free, definitely a shaft problem.  I mentally noted that the springs are going to be a bit of a problem to reconnect.  My guess the whole shaft was assembled before putting it in the body and then putting the gear on the bottom.

Keith

You are correct. I have also dismantled it by taking the gear off etc which gives you easier access to the springs and weights hence easier assembly. I then replaced the gear in with a roll pin.

As for the seize shaft I would place the shaft in a vertical position in a vice etc.. and squirt CRT or WD90 onto the top of the shaft where the felt would normally go and let it soak for some time before giving it gentle persuasion.

Let us know how you get on.

Rod

Keith, I would suggest getting another distributor, since the shaft most likely will have damage once you get the 2 pieces apart. Either scoring or rust will be present.

Look for a low miles distributor - one with little wear on the oil pump drive tongue is an indication of low miles.

I have quite a lot of distributors but they are not hard to find so you should be able to pick one up near you pretty easily

Ken

Keith,
        I am sure that I have one in the shed!  Not sure of the condition, but it is yours if you want it.

Michael

Thanks for all the replies.  After leaving it vertical for 24 hrs and soaking it with Inox I eventually, with "GENTLE" persuasion,  was able to get it apart.  The bottom section of the shaft came up quite well after a rub with 400 grit paper with no apparent scores.  I havn't cleaned the top section out yet (ran out of day)but I will probably have to replace it as I caused a small amount of distortion on it when holding it in the vice with aluminum jaws. I ended up holding it by the flats on the lobes where the points rub.  No damage on the lobes. I will try to keep the bottom section of the shaft as there is almost zero wear on the bottom tongue.  Michael I have sent you a PM.

Keith

Keith, I have a distributor you can have.   Can get it to you tomorrow if you like.   No idea of how good it is though.  Needs a clean up.  Might help you though.  Mike

The distributor is now nice and free again as it should be.  In a previous post Rod mentioned the difficulty in re attaching the springs controlling the weights.  I found by hooking a small piece of light wire on each spring to help position them did the trick.  I did this before putting the top part of the rotor back I could easily re connect the outer ends by using a pair of tweezers. Total job takes about a minute

Keith