RE: [alfa] 2000 Distributor Shaft problem

["Jeff Greenfield" <alfaguy@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

If the dist. drive dog (which is the other end of the oil pump drive) is
turning, and the dist rotor is not, then either a) the drive pin in the
bottom of the dist (which locks the drive dog to the shaft) has broken or
fallen out (not likely), b) the dist shaft has broken somehow (also not
likely) or c) the clamp at the base of the dist. has come loose allowing the
dist to move upwards enough for it to disengage itself (this is the most
likely cause).

It is also possible that the dist. was originally installed 180 degrees out.
Although the drive dog is offset which presumable makes installation goof
proof, it is possible to install it the wrong way around and have it work.
(I've never done it, but have seen it once or twice).

HTH,

jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alfa@domain.elided [mailto:owner-alfa@domain.elided] On Behalf Of RC
Hiatt
Sent: Saturday, August 21, 2004 1:05 PM
To: alfa@domain.elided
Subject: [alfa] 2000 Distributor Shaft problem

My 74 Spider had the engine completely rebuilt about 6 years (2507 miles and
$2962) ago. This week I went to start it in the garage and after the usual
one near start and die, it refused to spark or run. When I checked for the
cause of a no spark problem, I found the distributor is not turning at all.
I pulled the distributor and removed the cam cover to find that when the
engine is turned over, all visible parts seem to be fine except that the
distributor shaft is not turning. The oil pump drive gear is turning
normally. A screwdriver in the distributor slot will not readily turn the
distributor shaft.



Is it likely that the drive pinion gear retaining pin on the oil pump shaft
is broken or fell out? Broken shaft? Is there any way to fix the problem
without pulling the radiator, sump, front engine cover and all that stuff?



Thanks

Richard

2 and a quarter spiders and a GTV6 today.


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