Emergency help please!

[joshthetoolguy]

So, I replaced my distributor in my Falcon with a 200ci in it. I also did plugs, wires, cap and rotor. While getting the timing adjusted, the car ran great, smooth, good throttle response and everything. Then I tightened the distributor hold down and the car died. Then it wouldn't start. As soon as I loosen it, it runs great again, until I tighten it. What the heck is going on here?! I'm pulling my hair out.

 

[bubba22349]

So, I replaced my distributor in my Falcon with a 200ci in it. I also did plugs, wires, cap and rotor. While getting the timing adjusted, the car ran great, smooth, good throttle response and everything. Then I tightened the distributor hold down and the car died. Then it wouldn't start. As soon as I loosen it, it runs great again, until I tighten it. What the heck is going on here?! I'm pulling my hair out.

Is everything clean where distributor is going into the block? You might be loosing your ground somehow! You could try running an extra ground wire the the distributor clamp and see if that helps or else try cleaning to Battery ground going to the engine block. Good luck

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, can you compare the new and old distributor for any thing different? Does the new distributor seat on the block boss? It should be all the way down. Is the shaft or mounting boss different in any way? Can you reinstall the old one and see what happens? I wonder if the new one sits too low in the engine. I know there are shims to lift the distributor on other engines. Maybe the hex shaft is pushing up through the new distributor. Good luck.

 

[joshthetoolguy]

As far ask can see, the new distributor and the old one are identical. I can't see any difference. It seems seated all the way in the block, and it's snugged up just to the point of being able to turn it to adjust the timing. I can drive it around with it a little loose and it runs great. As SOON as I snug it up, it quits and won't run again. I'm really not sure what to even check at this point, although a shim would probably work.

 

[1hotvega]

I had the exact same problem with a 302 Ford engine years ago. The hex oil pump drive shaft would bind when the distributor was tightened down. Remove the drive shaft with a magnet and grind some off the end.