ignition · FF-0539

Why does a distributor push itself up out of a Flathead if it is not held down?

Turning the engine further pushed the distributor back up again, which is why the collar has to be locked down. Asked why, since it takes no force to turn the distributor, the answer is that the gear will naturally drive it out if it is not secured. With the normal Flathead clamp on top it cannot push back; here they were relying on the collar clamp alone. The warning given is that leaving the factory tab off will do the same on other engines, and Steve says he should have put the tab on.

Expert

Steve Coppock and Ed Smith

Evidence

expert attributed

Component

distributor hold-down

Applicable scope

Steve Coppock's supercharged 8BA-style Ford Flathead V8, about 290 cubic inches, on the engine dyno at Klein Engines