Distributor Exploded

[anew4961]

was fine tuning engine running perfect went to crank it back up and it was running crappie loading up acted like timing so I revved it up to clean it out distributor exploded counterweights came out of distributor one of the springs broke sheared the retainer off repaired runs a lot better . this is a first for me

[davepl]

As a guess, maybe the rotor wasn't screwed down tightly and came loose?

[Steeveedee]

Go and pull the rotor up and down, if the rotor is still on the distributor shaft. As wear happens, the distributor shaft can move up and down inside the housing. If that movement is large enough, the rotor can hit the cap, and break it. That could possibly lead to the weights getting dislodged. I won a race once, when the guy let off the throttle during a shift (we both had 4-speeds), and the distributor shaft popped up and the rotor grenaded his distributor cap. I don't recall the spec for how much up and down slop is allowed in a distributor, but I used to set them up with about .010" clearance, to keep the timing under a reasonable amount of control, especially when racing (still have to leave room for the oil to get in). Hmm, better go check that on my truck. It has a Mallory HEI, but that wear can still happen on them.

[anew4961]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Go and pull the rotor up and down, if the rotor is still on the distributor shaft. As wear happens, the distributor shaft can move up and down inside the housing. If that movement is large enough, the rotor can hit the cap, and break it. That could possibly lead to the weights getting dislodged. I won a race once, when the guy let off the throttle during a shift (we both had 4-speeds), and the distributor shaft popped up and the rotor grenaded his distributor cap. I don't recall the spec for how much up and down slop is allowed in a distributor, but I used to set them up with about .010" clearance, to keep the timing under a reasonable amount of control, especially when racing (still have to leave room for the oil to get in). Hmm, better go check that on my truck. It has a Mallory HEI, but that wear can still happen on them.

I think a spring came off is what started the mishap and a stud broke ,did remove dist. and check clearances ok replace bad parts bolts on rotor were still in place broke in 4 peace's broke cap as well running fine now thanks