Seriously! LOL
OK so a few days ago, I decided to finish up the FiTech install. After speaking with Jay and watching a few videos on Distributor Rotor Phasing, I decided it was time to lock out my distributor, install an adjustable rotor, and phase it.
With the simple part being removing the springs, weights and busing and locking out the distributor.... I started there.... And there is where I ended! After removing the springs, weights, and stop busing, I loosened the pin on the stop collar and tried to lift the shaft, turn it 180 degrees and put it back down into position where it can be locked out. Unfortunately on almost all but a few distributors, you have room between the gear and the collar to just lift- turn- and lock..... The fords FE does not apparently. With the few that don't, you are just supposed to push out the gear pin, slip off the gear, and then proceed to lock out. When done, you slide the gear back on and put the pin back in.... With the exception being the FE distributor by MSD? LOL gear has a pin, but it was pressed on! (had to send the distributor back to MSD when I ordered the steel gear to have them install it.) So after realizing that I had to get the gear slid down a little before I could lift and spin the shaft, I wrapped the gear in leather so I could hold on to it.... and then so I didn't damage the shaft, I used a rubber mallet to try and hit on the shaft a few times to just move the gear down a few millimeters!...... Well, even the rubber mallet distorted the shaft! Oh-Crap #1. It did manage to move the gear down enough for me to lift and spin the shaft 180 degrees and then lock it out. After placing it in the locked out position, I replaced the lock nut and then proceeded to lightly 1 to 2 taps at a time try and tap the gear back down a few millimeters (I did this using the same rubber mallet, but a socket to fit over the end of the shaft and evenly press on the gear.,.... After 5 to 6 cycles, the gear was back down, but it seemed that the light "wacking" snapped the threaded stud and the lock washer off of the top of the distributor (Oh Crap #2)... From this point, I had warped the shaft at the bottom (with my rubber mallet) and broken the threaded stud on the top of the distributor( purely through vibration???)..... TIME TO ORDER A NEW DISTRIBUTOR!!!!
Called MSD and explained. Asked to order a new Pro Billet FE distributor (Pre locked out!!) with a new Steel gear pressed on......
And with just my luck, I was added to the Back order list (# -23 to be exact!). They are hoping to start manufacturing them again on the 30th, but are not sure. I should receive it some time in the next few weeks... possibly..... fingers crossed.
This continues to be a learning experience (Greek Tragedy) LOL