Distributor

[oldkimmer]

The solenoid retard is from a 1970 distributor. Kim

 

[DeltaV]

And they aren't cheap. Ask me how I know. Don't throw it away!

 

[R413]

R413 post #17
You are absolutely correct. And I am looking at both distributors now. The other B block prestolite I hadn’t looked at in years. It’s a single point, not dual. When I take the vacuum advance off the 440, the the cap from the single point drops right on. I hope I can use that cap.
Next question is can I swap the single point normal looking vacuum advance or any vacuum advance on the dual point?
Are the single point rotors the same as dual point, the look that way.
Thanks

Here is how the cap mounts on a cast iron distributor. Tabs on the clip base. Notice no tab on the vacuum advance to locate the cap. Compare to a single point or electronic distributor.
The second photo, see the gold colored arm from the vacuum advance. It has a hole in it to fit over the pin on the breaker plate.
A single point or electronic vacuum advance has a pin on the arm the goes into a hole on the breaker plate. So they are opposite how they connect.

 

[440 4 speed]

Here is how the cap mounts on a cast iron distributor. Tabs on the clip base. Notice no tab on the vacuum advance to locate the cap. Compare to a single point or electronic distributor.
The second photo, see the gold colored arm from the vacuum advance. It has a hole in it to fit over the pin on the breaker plate.
A single point or electronic vacuum advance has a pin on the arm the goes into a hole on the breaker plate. So they are opposite how they connect.

View attachment 1074713 View attachment 1074714

Thanks, back to the garage to have another look.

 

[RemCharger]

distributors are fairly inexpensive why cobble something together the bushings are probably sloppy , is the shaft worn, will this fit that, on and on

Side note, the distributor is for a 67 440 magnum 4 speed. They aren't a dime a dozen around here.

 

[RJRENTON]

Solenoid Retard Distributor

View attachment 1074309 View attachment 1074310

I totally agree....the distributor is from a 440+6 application. The std 440 used a single point distributor; 383 engines did not use dual point distributors for that model year, but did have the solenoid retard feature.
The carb had a insulated hot idle contact that completed the distributor's solenoid RETARD solenoid when on hot idle, to increase combustion chamber temps to insure all hydrocarbons were burned. As soon as throttle was opened, the retard solenoid was de-energized, allowing vacuum advance to operate normally.
BOB RENTON