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| | | | Joined: Aug 2025 Posts: 47 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2025 Posts: 47 | 1956 Chevy 3100 235 straight six:
I bagged what I thought was the hold down for the distributor about a year ago. When setting up the distributor for correct timing today I discovered that the hold down was not correct, but the bolt, washer and lock washer that I had in the bag appear to be correct IF what holds the distributor in place is the advance/retard collar on the shaft of the distributor. I started to attach a large O-ring in the top groove of the shaft, but then decided not a good idea and stuck with just the gasket that seats nicely underneath the advance/retard collar.
So, the question is, is there actually a hold down for the distributor (and no place for it to hold down on the distributor) or am I correct in figuring the advance/retard collar serves as the hold down? | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,799 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,799 | The "hold down" is the part of the vacuum advance unit with the slotted hole called the "octane selector". DO NOT install an O ring in that top groove- - - -it interferes with the free movement distributor housing by the vacuum advance. That groove is there to keep oil from migrating up the housing and it does its job by simply being there- - - - -no seal needed.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2025 Posts: 47 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2025 Posts: 47 | Jerry, you are a fount of knowledge extraordinaire. Thanks, as always, for the info. Odd name for the vacuum advance, "octane selector" but thinking about it it makes sense.
Now, just got to figure out where that piece that looks like a hold down goes, lol. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,878 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,878 | Now, just got to figure out where that piece that looks like a hold down goes, lol. Hawkman - Post a picture of it in a new thread in the Name that part... forum and folks will likely be able to help you figure it out. 
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow this story in the DITY Gallery"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
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