MTFCA Forum

Why does my dizzy not set flush to the block?

Probably trying to tell you that it doesn't belong on a T.

Too many variables without more information. Photos might help because we can't see what is going on with it.

If it's a clip-on style and if you're saying that it doesn't fit within the recess on the the timing cover, it may be because it's an old pot metal version that has swollen and will no longer fit. But, that's a lot of "ifs". We need more info...

Pictures say a thousand words.

Need picture of the gear & nut on the camshaft. Are you using the correct nut?
What distributor are you using and where did you get the gears?

Jerry VanOoteghem wrote: ↑

Tue May 23, 2023 6:42 am

If it's a clip-on style and if you're saying that it doesn't fit within the recess on the the timing cover, it may be because it's an old pot metal version that has swollen and will no longer fit. But, that's a lot of "ifs". We need more info...

I'll get some pictures today. It is a new Texas T distributor.

John_Aldrich wrote: ↑

Tue May 23, 2023 10:23 am

Jerry VanOoteghem wrote: ↑

Tue May 23, 2023 6:42 am

If it's a clip-on style and if you're saying that it doesn't fit within the recess on the the timing cover, it may be because it's an old pot metal version that has swollen and will no longer fit. But, that's a lot of "ifs". We need more info...

I'll get some pictures today. It is a new Texas T distributor.

And what year motor are you putting it on too?

Most likely gear mesh John. Even though you think you installed it just as it was removed, chances are you’re a tooth or two off which is preventing it to seat on the gear cover.

Hi John,.
Try marking them with a with a sharpy to see were the interfearance is. Inside & out you could have a gear interfearing.
I have had to run a hand bur tool around the lip on the timing cover & lightly file the out side if the the distributor before to get a good fit.
Craig.

I’m familiar with this car - it was on before he changed out the cam gear.

Some cam gears have centers that are thicker than the original Ford timing gear which will move the cam gear nut farther forward. If the cam gear that was replaced was an original gear, that might well be the problem, as the cam gear nut may be preventing the distributor dear from being located properly. Replacement fiber gears usually have the thickest center web.

It was one of your bronze gears Dan.

Since you changed the cam gear did did you follow this instruction https://www.texastparts.com/mm5/manuals/T3161.pdf
3. "IMPORTANT: Your timing gear cover plate must be properly aligned with your cam shaft (Model T Ford Service Manual, p.
120). If you are not sure this was done when your engine was assembled, it is very wise to do it at this time. It is possible for
a mis-aligned timing cover to cause damage to your distributor when you try to start your engine. Damage due to improper
installation will void your warranty. If you do not have a timing gear cover alignment tool, Texas T Parts offers one as Item
#T3009-T. It is included with our Distributor Installation Kit, Item #T3161K. At the very least, visually inspect to determine
that the camshaft is well centered within the hole of the timing gear cover plate where the camshaft seal goes.

Mark Gregush wrote: ↑

Tue May 23, 2023 2:25 am

Too many variables without more information. Photos might help because we can't see what is going on with it.

When I tightened up the mounting bolt is when it went "crooked". When I first held it in place it looked good.

Pictures could have been better. Where was Steve Jelf and his camera when you need him??!!

Haven't forgotten you guys. Can't seem to resize photos anymore. At least can't make them fit here.