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Replacing spark control rod

Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2020 11:29 am
by Divcoone
I need to replace my spark control rod. I have the steering wheel off and the have the cap covering the gears off. How does the cup come off so I can pull the rod up and out? I have the retaining split pin out at the spring.
Bob Giles

Re: Replacing spark control rod

Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2020 11:52 am
by Mark Gregush
What year? I am guessing it is the one piece casting so the whole casting has to come out of the tube after the 2 rivets are removed that hold it in, along with both rods which will require removing the arm on the throttle rod. This job should be done with the whole column removed from the car, not an in car service job. Earlier cars used an upper casting that was riveted to the base, but still an out of car job. After the casting is removed from the column as a unit, the ears on the casting need to be bent out to remove the rods, suggest heating to orange and allow to cool or they can be break off. Repeat the heat process again before closing them back up then reassemble with new rivets holding the casting in the column.

Re: Replacing spark control rod

Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2020 11:59 am
by Steve Jelf
You will have to remove three rivets. One is the small rivet that holds the #3530 spark rod lever. The others are the two rivets that hold the #3507 gear case in the column. I would not try to do this with the column in the car. Better to do it on the bench with a vise to hold things steady. You want to anneal (heat and let cool) the metal that is bent over the rod so it won't break when you pry it open.

Re: Replacing spark control rod

Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2020 12:09 pm
by Divcoone
Thanks, I think I'll try and repair the bottom of the rod without removing the rod.

Re: Replacing spark control rod

Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2020 7:11 pm
by Allan
Wise move Robert. Just replace a section at the bottom of the rod with anew piece. Grind each end to a blunt point so the weld can penetrate, and file back into round. The job is even more satisfactory if you drill and pin the control arm and fit it first.

Hope this helps,
Allan from down under.