Does anyone have the dimensions for depth of distributor gear?

I cannot find it in any of my books. Want to verify mine is positioned correctly before I turn over the engine.

 

Does it not have a pin in it? How could it be anywhere else?

 

The one that came off my new distributor (purchased about 4 years ago from O'Reilly) had a cast iron gear, with 2 sets of holes. One pair was a little bit higher (barely...but you can see that it is a bit higher) than the other.

The new one I am using came with one set of holes, and I am "assuming" it is the correct height, but I just want to verify it before I screw something up.

 

overthinking it

 

Really? I have seen that the dimension is important to prevent excessive wear, and have heard horror stories from a couple guys, and just wanted to "not have to worry about it"...

 

I have no idea what the depth should be......but I too have heard that it needs to be checked.

 

MSD site will have it

 

Gear Installation on MSD Ford Distributors​

It is recommended to send your Ford Distributor to MSD to have a new gear installed. The installation
process requires a press fit and the need for special tools to achieve proper installation without
damaging the shaft, gear or housing. If returning the distributor to MSD is not an option, a
quality machine shop may also be able to install your new gear.​

AUTOTRONIC CONTROLS CORPORATION ​

​

​

• 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR., EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 • (915) 857-5200 • FAX (915) 857-3344​

FRM22770 Revised 05/01 Printed In U.S.A.​

1. With the endplay of the distributor shaft removed, measure the distance from the bottom of the
gear to the bottom of the mounting flange (Figure 1). It should be within the specifications
shown.
2. Scribe a mark on the shaft at the bottom of the gear. This will aid in the installation position of the
new gear.
3. Remove the original roll pin and remove the press fit gear. Use extreme care not to damage the
end of the shaft where it meshes with the oil pump.
4. Position the gear so the new roll pin will enter the shaft 90° from the original hole. (Lining up the
original hole is possible, but a new hole will likely be machined.)
5. Press the new gear into position on the shaft. Measure the distance as shown in Figure 1 before
drilling the new roll pin hole.
6. Carefully drill a 0.125” hole through the shaft using the gear as a guide.
7. Install the new 1/8” spiral roll pin.​

CAUTION: ​

​

​

If the gear is installed improperly, severe damage to the distributor and/or engine
block will occur!​

Press firmly
to take out
all end play
before measuring.
Thrust Collar
4.005" Max.
3.996" Min.​

Figure 1 Gear Installation Specifications​

On the MSD FE Distributor,
PN 8594,
the spec is:​

3.045" - 3.050".

 

Just went from "simple" to "technical"...But that is what I was asking...

EDIT--Measured out PERFECTLY!!! One less thing for me to worry about...

 

Here is the official Ford version:
http://www.fordracingparts.com/download/instructionsheets/FordInstShtM-12390-A.pdf

 

They are pulling instead of pushing in the Ford Racing instructions, but probably comes out to the same numbers. I already have the dizzy back in, so I am going to assume 2 things, 1) that the numbers would be the same, or close enough to be safe using the push or pull method and corresponding numbers, and 2) that a pre-drilled gear would likely be drilled at the correct place giving me the correct distance.

Still, I am glad I tested it just to make sure.

Plenty of things to worry about when starting a new motor, this is just one less thing I need to think about.

 

"(Lining up the
original hole is possible)"
thats what i did...

......

 

Yep, that's the difference.

 

lining up the holes works if u pray but I have done several gear changes and have always measured I'm the one that told scott to check that measurement as it is critical for proper fit. the hole in the new gear is put there so you can have something to aid in the drilling of the shaft. some new gears don't come with any holes and you have drill thru the gear and shaft at the same time.

 

MOST new gears come with NO holes. I had to shop around to find one with the holes pre-drilled.

I was just hoping they drilled it in the correct place.