distributer?

[81ratrodc10]

i have a ? every couple of weeks my distributer comes loose and it can be turned i tighten the hold down but it seems to come loose again i dont know why this is happining any help thanx

[jchav62]

Strange. Maybe try using a little lock tite or something to keep it from backing out.

[81ratrodc10]

ya it is wierd the po told me it would run great then like crap couldnt figure it out i got home did a tune up on it and found out it was lose so i tightened it and it is still doing it ill have to try that

[78 Chevyrado]

If the bolt isn't stripped, it may be half stripped... just enough to make the threads loose, but not enough to actually pull out. when you screw the bolt in without the bracket, can you pull it in and out at all?

[81ratrodc10]

i have never taken it out completly should i

[boatpuller]

yeah try that..or else run a thread cleaner down there the same size and try a new bolt.and some loctite.

[Chevytrux4me]

Is it possible that the hold-down may not be right-side-up? What about using a nylon locknut to secure it better and counteract vibration?

[81ratrodc10]

how do i know if the hold down is wrong side

[81ratrodc10]

do i have to take the dist out to get the bolt all the way out

[Chevytrux4me]

I don't think you should have to remove the distributor to get the bolt all the way out. Some of the hold-downs I've seen have a slight curve to them, and should be installed with the two 'fingers' pointing downward.. However, some of the newer ones made out of billet alum and so forth I've seen are pretty much flat. I've wondered if the flat ones work as well as the curved. I was just thinking if the 'fingers' are pointing up and not downward, or if the hold-down is curved or flat. this might let the distributor bolt or nut loosen. I hadn't thought of it earlier, but I've seen hold-down bolts, and I've also seen a stud and nut setup. That's what I meant about the nylon locknut. Obviously, a bolt would need to be replaced with a stud to do that. Not knowing what's on your truck, you might want to look at the type of hold-down you have. Also, is there by chance a washer under it, as opposed to on top? Another thing to consider, this would require pulling the dist up, but I wonder if there's a gasket under the dist base, or is it possibly missing? I can see where this would let the dist base turn also. ...I'm by no means a master mechanic, just considering different possibilities of what might cause this.. Having worked on some trucks, tractors, and more than my share of old sports cars, I've seen lots of interesting 'stuff' over the years. I'm interested to know the outcome of this one.

[longbedrick]

loctite on your bolt and make sure you tighten your crows foot down real snug. get a crows foot tool if you can't get in there. I invested in them a couple years ago. good investment in tight places. if your intake is aluminum, be cautious not to strip your threads

[81ratrodc10]

i have a performer rpm intake dont know if its aluminum and ill have to check and c how the crows foot os on there

[81ratrodc10]

okay so finaly got around to checking it out today the bolt is still tight but the dist still moves when i tightened it the first time the dist was tight not sure what it is

[Camaro_nut2001]

Take the bolt out & flip your hold down piece over, you may have to use a longer bolt but see if it will tighten down the dist. If it does, go get you a knew hold down or just take one off another V8 Chevy motor. If the dist. gasket is missing or torn up you should have a small oil leak. Good luck.

[81ratrodc10]

okay if the gasket is no good how do i change it

[silvereagle07]

You have to remove the distributor to replace the gasket. Then you will have to set the timing but get a new hold down first. They are cheap. Do you have and pics of the way its mounted now?

[81ratrodc10]

i dont have any right now but could get some

[68 TT]

I have seen distributor clamps that have been flattened out by people over tightening them over the years. The hold down bolt hole is only so deep so you can't tighten the bolt down enough any more to keep the clamp tight against the distributor base.

The fix is to put on another distributor clamp with more of the curve left in it.

This could be your problem or a combination of a bolt that is just barely too long and is not able to clamp down tight enough on the hold down to keep the distributor from moving on its own.

[81ratrodc10]

cool maybe tomarrow ill take the bolt all the way out and look at it

[silvereagle07]

The clamp should have a slight bend. The originals are sprung steele and most chrome aftermarket clamps are cheap(they bend under pressure). You need a factory style with a bend or a beefy aftermarket clamp. The hold down on the right in the picture is how it should sit on the distributor.

[81ratrodc10]

Originally Posted by silvereagle07

The clamp should have a slight bend. The originals are sprung steele and most chrome aftermarket clamps are cheap(they bend under pressure). You need a factory style with a bend or a beefy aftermarket clamp. The hold down on the right in the picture is how it should sit on the distributor.

from that pic i think my hold down is no good going to look for sure tomarrow

[81ratrodc10]

well i finally got around to looking at it today unscrewed the hold down and it was flat bought a new one put it on no more turning set the timing runs like a champ now thanx guys for all your help

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by 81ratrodc10

well i finally got around to looking at it today unscrewed the hold down and it was flat bought a new one put it on no more turning set the timing runs like a champ now thanx guys for all your help

Glad it was something simple and that we could help.

[73chevyman]

mine does the samething but i forgot to put the gasket in lol

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by 73chevyman

mine does the samething but i forgot to put the gasket in lol

That just goes to show you how little tolerance there is for tight enough and not quite enough when it comes to the distributor.