1966 mustang-200-Distributor rotor is very loose ???

[Anonymous]

Hi
This is a new to me stock 66 mustang with a 200. I tuned it up with all new parts-Plugs, wires ect. The new and old rotor cap has a big swing left to right movement. I went back to the parts store and checked every rotor they had before 66 and after and they are all the same-Lots of play in the left to right and right to left rotation. This doesnt seem normal and I would think it will throw the timeing off. Anyone else with this?? Any fix??
Thanks John

 

[addo]

Is it the distributor with the solid "D" shaped shaft, or the type with the hollow, notched shaft?

 

[simon]

I just experienced this on a smallblock 289 distributor w/ pertronix. Excessive play on the rotor of ~.055". Obviously, some of the retailers have switched manufacturers, or they've come up with some inferior molds on production.

No chance to get a real autolite- or motorcraft replacement here, so I fixed it with patience and some JBweld.


Here's a picture of both pre-'68 load-o-matic rotor and a later 68-up dual-advance rotor:

 

[MustangSix]

There's a small metal clip that fits into the top of the distributor shaft. It holds the rotor in place. Without the clip, the rotor moves excessively.

 

[pedal2themetal45]

is it the rotor moving or is it the whole shaft?

 

[fordconvert]

I bet its the clip that is broken or missing. I have seen many motors with this problem. For some reason that seems to be one of those parts that does not exist. The only time I have ever seen a new one it was in a New Holland tune up kit that they no longer make. To solve the problem I have had success using a few wraps of teflon tape to snug things up.

 

[Anonymous]

What does the clip look like?

 

[simon]

load-o-matic spring clips:

snapped onto the shaft:

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks all
That is whay I am missing-Where can I get one???????????
Thanks again John

 

[66 E100 Pickup]

Not having that clip, and not having a good running truck, I finally yanked out the Load-O and put in a DSII. You can get rebuilt DSII's now for the same price as the Load-O's ($40 range).

Much better running engine now.

John