I'm replacing the worn shaft in my HEI distributor and found a problem with the replacement shaft... On the shaft thats coming out, there are two metal bushings pressed into the flange which provide a bearing surface for the reluctor plate to slide against during mechanical advance (see pic...the holes are shown, this pic is missing the actual bushings). The busings are staked in well enough that they probably cant be reused once removed. The replacement shaft however uses plastic bushings, but one is missing and the other cracked. Assuming the metal ones are superior, anybody know where I can get them? If not, what about plastic replacements? Anybody know what these things are actually called? Any help is greatly appreciated! Devon
Devon, I don't think that there should be anything in those holes. There are plastic bushings on the outer pins where the weights go on, that's it as far as I know. I've seen some members on this BB put screws in those holes to limit the amount of mechanical advance.
Ahhh...I'm a moron. The bushings are actually pressed into the flange which is integral to the shaft...disregard my previous picture, here's the deal: Now I see these are the bearing surface for the advance weights. Are these available somewhere? Sorry for the confusion... Devon
I left them off last time I was playing with mechanical advance. Didn't cause a problem. I did get a set with a 50,000 volt upgrade kit.
pads Those little pads are available (or were). Some curve kits even have them. You may have to see if there is an AC-Delco dealer in your town or check with a dealership. I know I've replaced those in my buddies Olds but it's been about 10 years ago when we did it. let us know how things work out!
Problem solved with another donor distributor. I thought about running without the buttons, but there is a shoulder on the weight pin that holds the weight up off the plate...the buttons support the weights for the same distance. Thanks to all for suggestions! Devon
